Just giving you a recap of the recent event we had here at Sickle Cell Care. And wow,
the reviews and press coverage have been outstanding! The Express and Star
newspaper accurately claimed us as “bridging the gap between home and hospital”,
and the Gleaner (a Jamaican newspaper published here in the UK) described the event
as being “a unique centre… A life line for sicklers.” It was as much of a success to us as it
was to the press and to everyone who attended.

The event kicked off with the presentation of the Jamaican High Commissioner and an
introduction of the event to the guests by the master of ceremonies, Maurice Malcolm.
The Jamaican National Anthem was then sung loudly by everyone, and was led by a
current supporter of SCC -­‐ Samantha Pearce.

Guests were provided with an information pack detailing the background and history of
SCC and its social activity centre, its current affiliations, the future endeavours of the
charity and comprehensive awareness information about sickle cell disease and
thalassaemia.

Among the medical professionals who declared their support for the charity in their
speech was Dr A McWhannel who received an award in behalf of the staff and
management at the centre. He was very instrumental in helping the founder during the
development stages of the charity and continually assists the charity by providing
specialised services to the community.

Centre Manager, Gwen Coates, was extremely pleased to see the smile on Dr
McWhannel’s face and others, as he received the award. His worshipful, Councillor
Michael Heap, Mayor of Wolverhampton was also present and received an award in
recognition of his support of the centre.

Her Excellency, the Jamaican High Commissioner made a speech calling on all of our
associates, supporters and in general, the people of Jamaican heritage to solidify their
Status as British nationals. Her Excellency commended the efforts of the charity, and
was especially impressed by the personal testimonies of two of our clients, as evident in
her speech.

It was after the delivery of the speech that came the delivery of yet another award to
honour the work, dedication and efforts of a particular person; a very special person
who through her experience, the peaks and troughs of her life, came to establish the
charity despite the mountainous obstacles she faced. That person was our Founder -­‐
Claudette Taylor-­‐Mitchell.

With tears in her eyes, and the arms of the High Commissioner around her, Claudette
gratefully received the prestigious award to recognise her life-­‐time achievements.
Mrs Taylor-­‐Mitchell thanked everyone in the room for attending, extending a special
thanks to the High Commissioner, the Mayor, the medical professionals and board
members, and of course her staff for making the day possible and her daughter -­‐
Maureen Mitchell -­‐ who was one of the MCs for the day and also a sufferer of sickle cell
disease.

A hearty Caribbean style lunch followed during the latter half of the day. During lunch,
Claudette accompanied her daughter in singing a rendition of Coldplay’s “Fix You”;
which appropriately conveys the message and deepest desires of our charity and its
hope to serve as a full-­‐time respite centre.

If you want to know more about what the press reports about the event and our
charity, see more pictures or wish to get involved with other events and happenings
here at the centre, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!
We look forward to hearing from you.