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SCS AGM 2003
The Sickle Cell Society’s 24th Annual
General Meeting, held at the Commonwealth Institute, Kensington
High Street, London on June 21st 2003, was a lively affair that
attracted members and groups from all over the country.
This year, the Sickle Cell Society broke away
from tradition by staging a panel/audience interactive debate focused
on contemporary topics. The issue debated was, ‘This meeting
welcomes the rapid improvement in services for Sickle Cell’.
Arguing the case for the above motion was Dr Iheanyi
Okpala, Consultant Haematologist at St Thomas’ Hospital, London
and Dr David Rees, Senior Lecturer/ Honorary Consultant at King’s
College Hospital, London. Dr Rees, stated that by far the strongest
evidence that services had improved was the life expectancy of people
affected by Sickle Cell Disease, which had improved steadily over
the years.
The counter motion was presented by Dr Richard
Stone (retired GP) of the Stone Ashdown Trust and Professor Elizabeth
Anionwu CBE, Head of Centre, Mary Seacole Centre for Nursing Practice,
Thames Valley University, London. Dr Stone stated that he was not
going to undermine the basic achievements made, but would strongly
argue that improvements are too little too late. He further stated
that the primary reason that improvements did not appear earlier
was because of institutional racism.
A lively debate ensued and the policy forming
suggestions resulting from the debate have enabled the Society to
address recent government action in a position statement that has
been sent to the Health Secretary, Dr John Reid.
The debate was followed by the business session
where a motion was carried to allow free membership for people with
a sickle cell disorder over the age of 18 and an awards ceremony,
at which Mrs Sherlene Rudder MBE was introduced as the President
of the Sickle Cell Society.
The evening was concluded with a fashion
show of African wear and a wonderful buffet.
The SCS AGM 2003 Panel
Mrs Sherlene Rudder MBE presents Mrs Aderonke Udoma
Volunteer of the Year Award for 2003
Jeff Johnson Memorial London
Bike Ride 2003
For the 17th year, the Sickle Cell Society's supporters
took to the roads to raise much needed funds to help people affected
by Sickle Cell Disorders. Television personality, Floella Benjamin
was on hand at 8.30am on Sunday 7th September to set the 100 riders
off from Wandle Recreation Centre, Wandsworth, London.
The riders had a choice of two challenging routes
heading south out of London, into Surrey and back again, covering
30 or 60 miles. When they returned, exhausted, but exhilarated,
they found entertainment from a DJ, five-a-side football, a netball
match, a bouncy castle and sustenance provided by a caterer of West
Indian food.
The event was sponsored/supported by Transport
for London, The Royal Mail, Nuwaupian Lodge and Sackville Travel,
to whom we are very grateful.
The money raised from the bike ride will help
to support the Ralma Faulkner Welfare Fund, The Bryan Jones Educational
Fund and the annual Children's holiday.
To all those who took part, we would like
to say a very big thank you.
The Starting Point
Under starter orders from Mrs Floella Benjamin OBE
For further information contact:
Sickle Cell Society
54 Station Road
London, NW10 4UA
UK
Tel 020 8961 7795
Fax 020 8961 8346
info@sicklecellsociety.org
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