Transforming Lives Together 2026 - Flipbook - Page 10
Research and innovation
Ageing well
with Sickle Cell
As people with sickle cell are living longer
than ever before, many face new and
often overlooked challenges as they age.
Thanks to unrestricted donations from
supporters like you, King’s College Hospital
Charity funded Ageing Well with Sickle
Cell (AWWSC), an innovative co-designed
project that brought together patients,
carers, clinical teams and wider health
system partners.
“
When I was younger I read
an article that said people with
sickle cell don’t reach 30, things
have changed drastically. This
project will help us figure out
how to stay healthy whilst
ageing with sickle cell. ”
Sickle cell patient
Through collaborative research and the championing of lived experience
the project is already helping to drive meaningful change, including
improvements to guidance for diabetes screening in people with sickle cell
disease. In the long term it will help people with sickle cell age with greater
confidence, dignity and support, while paving the way for more joined-up
and compassionate care for future generations.
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