Konnor Ewudzi and Family Share Their Story for World Sickle Cell Day

On World Sickle Cell Day 2025, Love Island star and rugby presenter Konnor Ewudzi is using his platform to shine a light on how deeply sickle cell disorder has affected his family — and why awareness and action are urgently needed.

Pictured at the Abbey Wood estate in East London, made famous by Netflix’s Supacell, Konnor is seen with members of his family, at a gathering held to talk openly with us about their experiences in order to show how big the impact of Sickle Cell can be on just one family.

“My Dad (Godfrey) carries the trait, so does my Sister Billie-May. My Mum Siobhan …. didn’t carry the trait, which is why I am so fortunate. But my Auntie Freda, Uncle Richard and late Cousin Alexander, were not so lucky. They suffered terribly growing up, with hospital visits and blood transfusions required to help them with their pain.”

Konnor’s late cousin Alexander lived with the condition. Alexander, a gifted young architect, tragically died at just 28 from sudden organ failure linked to sickle cell.

“My entire family has been affected by sickle cell,” said Konnor. “Supacell did an amazing job highlighting the condition, but there’s so much more people need to know.”

“It is definitely something I have to think about when I meet a new partner” Konnor’s Sister Billie-May said “Like it is on my mind when I start dating someone new – I don’t talk about it much but it is really important young people are aware of it.”

“We had Billie-May and Konnor tested when they were really little. It was a nerve-racking time, but it had to be done.” said Siobhan, Konnor’s Mum.

“We just want to help more people avoid what we went through,” said Konnor’s dad, Godfrey. “Testing is key. And giving blood even more so.”

You can get involved, and help people living with sickle cell, by giving blood or asking your friends and family to consider doing so. Check out our World Sickle Cell Day campaign page for more information about other actions things you can do, and for more information about why telling it loud is so important in 2025.