£94,000 awarded to support research into blood disorders
£94,000 awarded to support research into blood disorders
30 June 2025
The projects focus on several different areas, from studying bone marrow cells to understand the causes of inherited bone marrow disease, to understanding how stem cell transplants prevent the return of chronic myeloid leukaemia.
Dr Steven Okoli, Haematology Consultant at Hammersmith Hospital (pictured), will be undertaking a project working with sickle cell anaemia patients to understand motivations and barriers to using the most common medication, hydroxycarbamide, as a treatment.
He said: “Sickle cell is a severe, life-limiting disorder, with limited treatment options available. One such treatment is hydroxycarbamide, which is both safe and effective. However, there is significant reluctance within the patient community to consider this option.
"This project, led by both patients and clinicians, aims to identify the barriers preventing patients from taking hydroxycarbamide and develop strategies to address them. I firmly believe the insights gained from this project will improve the lives of individuals living with the disorder.”
"I firmly believe the insights gained from this project will improve the lives of individuals living with this disorder.”
Dr Steven Okoli, Haematology Consultant
This research is made possible through generous donations to our Blood Fund, which supports the haematology department at Hammersmith Hospital.
Professor Jane Apperley, Clinical Director of Haematology and advisor for our Blood Fund, said: “Thanks to your amazing generosity, we have been able to fund a record number of projects.
“All the projects are focused on blood diseases that we see here in the hospital, and aim to improve our treatments and our understanding of why these work, and sadly, why sometimes they don't.
“Without your help, this would not be possible, so many thanks for your support.”
Find out more about the Blood Fund, or make a donation here.
