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OSCAR Nottingham
The story of an organisation committed to care and support - By Chrissy Wells & Mary Peter
Organisation for Sickle Cell Anaemia Research (OSCAR)
Nottingham is a local charity that is devoted to raising
awareness, support and guidance for people with
Sickle Cell Disorder. Although the name implies that
we carry out research, this is not the case although we
can support research done by others
Sickle Cell Disorder is an inherited genetic condition in
which there is an abnormality in the haemoglobin, the
oxygen-carrying protein found in red blood cells. It is not
infectious, but it is incurable. Sickle cell affects and blights the
lives of many thousands of people across the world, especially
Africa, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.
People with Sickle Cell can either have the full blown
Disorder or carry the Trait. Children of Sickle Cell sufferers can
sometimes inherit the disease. (See image) Sickle Cell causes
many health problems because some of the red blood cells
form a sickle shape after they have deposited their oxygen
in the tissues and organs, and they cannot pass through
the small blood vessels, thus blocking them and preventing
oxygen from reaching vital organs and the joints. This is called
a crisis and it can result in damage to organs and joints which
is cumulative over time.
Though the gene is traditionally more prevalent among
ethnic minority groups, it is spreading among other groups. It
causes a range of problems among patients, their families and
carers. It can interrupt schooling, college or work and those
suffering from it may have financial problems. They may not
be able to sustain full time work.
The benefits system often does not help those suffering
from lifelong intermittent disability. Housing conditions
may not be adequate to provide the warmth, freedom from
damp conditions and hygiene facilities needed to cope with
the Disorder. People may also suffer from social isolation,
including families and carers. OSCAR Nottingham which was
founded in 1983 helps to fill the gaps that publicly funded
agencies often do not meet.
Chrissie Wells, a Trustee for OSCAR says, “We raise all our
funding ourselves and our many volunteers are very important
to enable us to carry on helping those in need. We also spend
our time raising awareness about this terrible blood Disorder,
as many people are not aware of it. We remind people of
the need to be tested to see whether they carry Sickle Cell
Disorder, as if they have a child with another carrier that child
has a one in four chance of inheriting full blown Sickle Cell.”
OSCAR welcomes any financial or practical support to help
meet the needs of those with Sickle Cell Disorder. Jayne Karue
who is a Trustee of OSCAR said that “volunteering for OSCAR
Nottingham is very fulfilling.”
“We would encourage more people to volunteer their time
and also offer financial support to increase OSCAR’s support
and presence in the community,” says Mary Peter, also an
OSCAR Trustee.
To volunteer, donate or to get more information on Sickle
Cell Disorder, you can contact OSCAR through the website
www.oscarnottingham.org, write to: OSCAR Nottingham,
21a Hendon Rise, St Ann’s, Nottingham, NG3 3AN, or call 0115
9472718 during working hours.
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