Please stay with me on this one if you can…
I have sung for a number of good causes in the past and this Year would like to support the Sickle Cell Society London because I hope someone will be able to get the care they so desperately need. I also want to create more awareness if I can by learning myself and I invite you to join me on the journey.
My first recollection of losing someone to sickle cell was a friend who I had when I was in secondary school. One moment she was there and the next she was gone. I remember singing the hymn ‘Rock of ages cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee’ in the assembly at school shortly after the announcement and taking comfort from the song. I had never experienced a sense of loss like that before and even now, whenever I hear the song Rock of Ages, it triggers something.
A few years ago, I invited a friend to one of my Performances during a Black History Month event hosted by the NHS.
She was looking forward to coming. I looked out for her on the day but soon realised she was not coming. She told me later she had spent a week in hospital with her 7-year-old foster child who had a sickle cell crisis. Every 3-4 months this is what happens.
Years have passed and life goes on but something always pops up to remind me of my childhood friend.
If I’m out performing and you feel like giving me a tip, please consider making a donation instead directly to the Sickle Cell Society London by clicking on their website link.
Thank you for reading.