Solome Mealin, 41, has sickle cell disorder and receives red cell exchanges every five weeks at St James’ hospital in Leeds. The mum of three has eight units of Ro blood each time.

The sickle-shaped red blood cells that her body produces are replaced with donated healthy red cells. The disease, which is inherited, makes Solome feel tired and she suffers regular headaches, nosebleeds and pains (called a crisis).

“It’s a very painful disease. I have had so many bad crisis episodes with sickle cell,” says Solome, who is originally from Uganda.

“It damages your bones and I needed a hip replacement because of sickle cell disease.”

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