Every year on June 19, World Sickle Cell Day helps raise awareness of sickle cell disease, also known as sickle cell disorder in the UK. It is an inherited blood condition that affects millions of people around the world. In the UK, approximately 17,500 people are living with sickle cell disorder, according to the Sickle Cell Society.

Sickle cell disease has historically received less public attention and research funding than its impact warrants. Whether you’re learning about it for the first time or looking for ways to help, here’s what to know.

What is sickle cell disease?

Sickle cell disease, sometimes called sickle cell disorder in the UK, is an inherited blood condition that affects red blood cells. Red blood cells are usually round and flexible, which helps them move through blood vessels and carry oxygen throughout the body. In people with sickle cell disease, some red blood cells become hard, sticky, and shaped like a crescent, or sickle.

These cells can get stuck in blood vessels, blocking blood flow and preventing oxygen from reaching organs and tissues. They also break down much earlier than healthy red blood cells, which can lead to anaemia, fatigue, pain, and other complications over time.

Sickle cell disease is genetic. A person is born with SCD when they inherit two sickle haemoglobin genes, one from each parent. It is not contagious.

What are the symptoms of sickle cell disease?

Sickle cell disease affects people differently. Common symptoms and complications can include:

• Chronic pain, caused by sickled cells blocking blood flow.
• Anaemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
• Swelling of the hands and feet, often one of the first signs in infants.
• Frequent infections, which can happen when sickle cell disease damages the spleen.
• Delayed growth in children.
• Vision problems caused by blocked blood vessels in the eye.
• Stroke, which can happen when sickled cells block blood flow to the brain.

Many people with SCD experience painful episodes called sickle cell crises. These episodes can last for hours or days and may require hospital care. Triggers can include cold temperatures, dehydration, stress, or illness.

What causes sickle cell disease?

Sickle cell disease is caused by a change in the gene that helps the body make haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. This gene change produces haemoglobin S, also called HbS. HbS can cause red blood cells to become hard, sticky, and sickle shaped. These cells break down much earlier than normal and can block blood flow, causing pain and organ damage.

To have SCD, a child must inherit the HbS gene from both parents. If a child inherits the gene from only one parent, they have what is called sickle cell trait. People with sickle cell trait usually do not have symptoms of SCD, but they can pass the gene to their children.

SCD is more common in people with ancestry from:

• Sub-Saharan Africa
• South Asia
• The Middle East
• The Mediterranean

Sickle cell disease can affect people of any background. These regions have higher prevalence in part because the sickle cell trait offered some protection against severe malaria in affected areas.

In the UK, almost 300 babies are born with sickle cell disorder each year, according to the Sickle Cell Society’s latest factsheet.

How is sickle cell disease treated?

Treatment for sickle cell disease has improved in recent years, but care can still be complex and costly. Treatment depends on a person’s age, symptoms, health history, and access to specialised care.

Most care focuses on reducing pain, preventing infections and complications, treating anaemia, and helping people manage daily life with the condition. Treatment may include medication, pain management, blood transfusions, stem cell transplant, or gene therapy.

1. Medication for sickle cell disease

Hydroxycarbamide, also known as hydroxyurea, is one of the most widely used medications for sickle cell disease in the UK. It can help reduce painful crises, lower the need for blood transfusions, and reduce the risk of some complications. It works by helping the body produce more foetal haemoglobin, a type of haemoglobin that does not sickle in the same way.

Crizanlizumab is another medication used for some people with sickle cell disease. It helps reduce how often pain crises happen by making it harder for blood cells to stick to blood vessel walls. Availability and prescribing guidance can vary, so people should talk with their care team about whether it may be an option.

Voxelotor, sold under the brand name Oxbryta, was previously used to treat sickle cell disease. Pfizer voluntarily withdrew it from markets worldwide in September 2024 after determining that its benefits no longer outweighed its risks for the approved patient population.

Pain management is also an important part of care. During a sickle cell crisis, treatment may include pain relief medication, fluids, oxygen, or hospital care, depending on the person’s symptoms and medical needs.

2. Other treatments for sickle cell disease

Blood transfusions can help treat severe anaemia, reduce the risk of stroke, and manage serious complications. People with sickle cell disease often need specially matched blood for transfusions.

A stem cell transplant, also called a bone marrow transplant, is a potential cure for some people with sickle cell disease. It requires a well-matched donor and can carry serious risks, so it is only an option for some patients.

Gene therapy is also becoming part of sickle cell disease care for certain patients. In England, NICE has recommended Casgevy, also known as exagamglogene autotemcel or exa-cel, under managed access for some people aged 12 and over with severe sickle cell disease who meet specific eligibility criteria.

These treatments are important advances, but they are not available or appropriate for everyone. They require specialised care and can involve significant medical risks and costs.

Medical information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Anyone living with sickle cell disease should talk with a qualified healthcare professional about their care options.

A note on blood donation in the UK

People with sickle cell disease who need regular blood transfusions often benefit from Ro subtype blood, which is more common in people from Black African and Black Caribbean backgrounds. According to NHS Blood and Transplant, only around 3% of regular blood donors have Ro blood, while approximately 47% of Black heritage donors carry the Ro subtype.

If you have Black African or Black Caribbean heritage, donating blood could make a meaningful difference for someone living with sickle cell disease. You can learn more through NHS Blood Donation.

Who does sickle cell disease affect?

Sickle cell disease is a global condition. It disproportionately affects people of African, South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean ancestry, but it can affect people of any background. Nearly 8 million people are living with sickle cell disease around the world, according to the WHO. In the UK, the Sickle Cell Society estimates that around 17,500 people are currently living with sickle cell disorder.

Despite its impact, sickle cell disease has historically received less research funding and public attention than many advocates believe it deserves. People living with SCD, their families, healthcare professionals, researchers, and community organisations continue working to improve care, expand access, and support more treatment options.

How you can help through GoFundMe

People and communities across the UK are raising money on GoFundMe to support sickle cell awareness, advocacy, practical care, and community support. Before donating, visit each fundraiser page directly for the latest details, current status, and organiser updates.

• Goals for Good: sickle cell fundraiser
  Daniel Ayeni has lived with sickle cell anaemia since birth. His fundraiser shares that blood clots previously left him hospitalised and temporarily unable to walk. Now recovered, he is organising a series of 5-a-side football tournaments at his school to raise awareness and funds for the Sickle Cell Society. The fundraiser connects sport, community, and personal experience to support one of the leading national sickle cell charities in the UK.
• World Sickle Cell Day
  Organised from England by Sandra Osokogun and Millicent Omoroje, this fundraiser supports the Audrey Sickle Cell Foundation’s World Sickle Cell Day awareness campaign in Nigeria, a country with one of the world’s highest burdens of sickle cell disease. Funds are being raised to help provide awareness materials, community outreach, educational resources, and routine medication support for people who may not otherwise be able to afford it. The fundraiser is a reminder that sickle cell disease is a global condition, and that support from the UK can reach communities beyond borders.
• Care, hope, and support for sickle cell families
  Organised from England by S.C Warriors Hub, this fundraiser provides direct, practical support to people living with sickle cell disease and their families. Funds go towards mental health support, emergency assistance, medication and healthcare costs, transport to hospital appointments, food, and basic necessities during recovery. The fundraiser focuses on helping people access support when a crisis creates added pressure.
• Berlin Rollerblading Marathon for Sickle Cell Society
  William Kay, based in Scotland, is taking on the Berlin Rollerblading Marathon in September to raise funds for the Sickle Cell Society. His fundraiser turns a solo endurance challenge into a way to support awareness, advocacy, and community services for people affected by sickle cell disease in the UK.

Organisations supporting people with sickle cell disease in the UK

• Sickle Cell Society
  The Sickle Cell Society is the only national charity in the UK that supports and represents people affected by sickle cell disorder. Founded in 1979, the charity works to improve quality of life for people living with the condition through information, welfare support, advocacy, research, and education for healthcare professionals. The Sickle Cell Society also provides guidance for individuals, families, carers, and healthcare teams, making it an important resource for anyone looking to learn more about sickle cell disorder in the UK.
• NHS sickle cell disease information
  The NHS provides medically reviewed patient information on sickle cell disease, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and living with the condition. For people in the UK, NHS guidance is one of the first places to go for reliable medical information and next steps.

Final words

Sickle cell disease affects millions of people around the world, including thousands of people in the UK. The people, families, and communities living with it deserve more awareness, more support, and more access to compassionate care. World Sickle Cell Day on June 19 is one chance to help.

You can donate, share a fundraiser, register as a blood donor, or take time to learn more. Every act of support matters.

Sources and further reading

For medically reviewed information about sickle cell disease, visit:

Medical information in this article is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

What is Migraine Awareness Week?

Migraine Awareness Week seeks to highlight what migraines are and why they can be so debilitating. There’s often a myth that migraines are just headaches, which isn’t the case. Sufferers can go through a range of symptoms that can really affect day to day life. Migraine Awareness Week first took place in 2021 with the theme of Dismissed for Too Long, where The Migraine Trust revealed a report looking at the struggles of those who suffer with migraines. You can read more about Migraine Awareness Week here, but The Migraine Trust believes no one should suffer alone. 

Why your support is needed

One in seven people in the UK suffer with migraines. Whether experiencing them chronically or more sporadically, migraines are debilitating: sufferers can temporarily lose their vision, speech, ability to move, feel or be sick and have a sensitivity to light. It can mean that day to day life is disrupted and result in mental health problems. 

A report released by The Migraine Trust last year revealed that support for sufferers across the UK is patchy and wait times for help with migraines is increasing. This is why events like Migraine Awareness week are important – it helps to increase awareness on what is happening. According to the report, 72% of children with migraines feel worried about having them and 33% of people with migraines have had to leave their job all together because of them.

How to show your support during Migraine Awareness Week

So, if you have migraines, know someone who does or have just been touched by the plight of sufferers, there’s a variety of ways you can show your support during Migraine Awareness week. Take a look at our page on medical fundraising to start a GoFundMe or get inspiration from others fundraising for similar. 

Fundraising

A straightforward way to support during Migraine Awareness Week is fundraising and you’re in the right place to do it. It’s easy to start a GoFundMe for a migraine charity or even for yourself or someone you know who suffers from migraines. Fundraising during an awareness week is a great time to do it – harness the power of people talking about the week to maximise your own fundraising potential. Starting a GoFundMe is free – you can get going by creating a fundraiser.

Volunteering

Another way to show your support for a charity like the Migraine Trust is to volunteer! An easy way to get started it to take a look at the Migraine Trust website here for opportunities and then contact them to see how you can work best together. 

Awareness and advocacy

A brilliant way to throw your support behind migraine sufferers is through awareness and advocacy, something which you can integrate easily in your day to day life. If you’re a migraine sufferer, the Migraine Trust encourages you to share your story – it can help others understand what you’re going through and give them a better understanding. 

If you know someone who suffers from migraines or feel passionately about the cause, spread information where you can! It’s important that the myths around migraines just being bad headaches are dispelled. Doing this is a great way to show up for people who suffer with migraines. 

Join a community of fundraisers

GoFundMe is a fast, easy and safe way to raise money and awareness for charities like the Migraine Trust. You can join in the community of fundraisers raising money for medical charities. Think about your fundraising story, tell your kind donors why this is a cause close to your heart and get going. As an example, Chiara raised more than £2k climbing the Three Peaks for the Migraine Trust with two fellow sufferers to raise awareness. Not only is the fundraising brilliant, but sharing her story too.

Start your fundraiser for Migraine Awareness Week

So, it couldn’t be easier to start raising money for migraine sufferers prior to Migraine Awareness week. Have a think about how you’d like to fundraise and get going. Take a look at our blog on how GoFundMe works and you’re off! Remember: when you’ve started your GoFundMe, keep your supporters updated each step of the way and good luck!

Make sure you register to vote now to use your voice in elections. All you need is your name, date of birth, address, and National Insurance number.

For more information on voter registration, voter ID and elections, head to the Electoral Commission website. For resources and support check out Democracy Classroom. 
And to make sure you can vote on the day, remember to bring your photo ID with you to the polling station on May 2nd.

The walk takes place across different locations in Scotland – meaning it’s easy to join in with whichever one is easiest and most convenient for you. 

The Kiltwalks also take place over multiple dates and have so far raised millions for charity. 

Here we break down all the information you need to know about it and how you can get involved. 

About the Kiltwalks

Kicking off in 2016, more than 145,000 people have taken part and joined in. 

The Kiltwalk involves people getting together to set off on a walk wearing their best tartan.

The distances vary, with some walks only going on for three miles. There’s also longer walks on offer, stretching up to 22.6 miles. 

You need to register for the KiltWalk before you take part though.  

There’s walks taking place all over Scotland and we’ve outlined all the information you need for the walk closest to you. 

Glasgow Kiltwalk

The Glasgow Kiltwalk is a great one to get involved with if you’ve not taken part before. 

There’s different distances for you to walk on, depending on your preference. 

They are: 

• The Wee Wander: 3.1 miles. Leaving from Loch Lomond Shore and finishing at Moss O’Balloch Park.
• The Big Stroll: 14.2 miles. Starting from Clydebank and finishing in beautiful Balloch, Loch Lomond.
• The Mighty Stride: 22.6 miles. Starting from Glasgow’s iconic Glasgow Green and finishing in the idyllic surroundings of Balloch, Loch Lomond.

This year’s event is taking place on April 28th, but sadly all spots have now sold out. 

Aberdeen Kiltwalk

Registration for the Aberdeen Kiltwalk is open and awaiting applicants, if you’d still like to apply. 

Like the Glasgow event, there are different routes you can take. 

Two walk lengths are available – Mighty Stride (18 miles) and Wee Wander (4 miles). 

The event takes place on June 2 and more information is available about about how to apply to the Aberdeen KiltWalk

Dundee Kiltwalk

Registration is also still open for the Dundee Kiltwalk. 

The entry fee is £20 and it takes place on August 11. 

Routes are still being finalised for the Dundee event and haven’t been released just yet. 

But there will be two lengths available – the Mighty Stride (21.5 miles) and Wee Wander (5.5 miles). 

Edinburgh Kiltwalk

Taking place on September 15, and the latest event in the year, the Edinburgh Kiltwalk is also still open for registrations. 

There are three routes available to take part in – Mighty Stride (approx. 21 miles), Big Stroll (approx. 11 miles) and Wee Wander (approx. 5 miles). 

These routes are also still being finalised and subject to change though. 

Th entry prices are:

Mighty Stride – £20

Big Stroll – £20

Wee Wander Adults £12.50 and Children £6.50

Kiltwalk fundraising

You can fundraise for whatever cause you like when taking part in the Kiltwalk. 

As long as you’re ready to take on a walk, you can raise funds for a good cause. 

This can be a fundraiser for a partner charity that Kilkwalk works with or you can create a fundraiser on GoFundMe by following the following steps below. 

Choose your cause

You first need to decide exactly what it is you want to raise money for. 

This can be for someone you know, a local cause to you or a registered charity. 

You can set up a fundraiser on GoFundMe for any cause you would like to and it’s a great chance to explain to people why exactly you would like to raise money. 

This can be your chance to say why the cause you’re raising funds for is so important to. 

Create a fundraising page

It is free to start a fundraiser on GoFundMe. You also don’t need to raise a minimum amount, so the pressure is off. 

You can also raise money for any cause or charity close to you. 

We also have a dedicated customer care team to help you along the way should you have any queries. 

You can see our top tips for starting a fundraiser here, once you’re all ready to go. 

Share your fundraising page

Once you’re registered and have your fundraising page set up, the next crucial step is to share your fundraiser far and wide. 

You can start off by sharing your page with friends and family. 

You can also ask for these people to share your fundraiser, in the hopes of more people seeing it. 

It’s also a good idea to share your fundraiser online on your social media profiles, to help widen the reach of your campaign. 

Monitor your progress

You can share with people how your preparation for the big event is going every step of the way. 

It’s a great way of monitoring your progress – both for yourself and supporters. 

You can keep an eye on how your fundraising is going too. Depending on how well you’re doing, you could increase the goal incrementally. 

You can also post updates for people to keep track of. 

Kiltwalk fundraising examples

The Kiltwalk brings together thousands of people every year and each event we see so many great fundraising stories. 

If you’re wondering how to get started, here’s some good examples to learn from: 

Steven Kindness bravely took on a number of physical challenges in order to raise funds for his friend Mark Ferguson, who was diagnosed with MND. 

He ended up taking on the KiltWalk as part of his fundraising, and managed to raise an amazing amount – more than £38,000. 

A group of friends took on the Kiltwalk in memory of Jordan Denholm, who they said “left us far too soon.” They took part in the Edinburgh event and raised money for Tony’s Safe Place. 

The Williamson family all took part in the Dundee Kiltwalk to raise funds. Fundraising for The Phaeo and Para Cancer Charity, the group were able to raise thousands. 

Start fundraising for your Kiltwalk

Once you’re registered, have your kilt at the ready and you’ve stretched yourself out, you’re ready to take part. 

The final step is starting your fundraising journey and choosing what you want to raise money for. 

Private school fees to consider

There are a few costs to private schools that you should know about beyond just tuition. Take a look below at some of the costs you can expect, so you know what to prepare for.

Tuition

By far the largest expense related to private schools, the national average cost of private school tuition is for 15,200  the 2024 school year, according to The IFS. Around 6-7% of pupils in the UK attend a private school.

 Room and board

If you send your child to a private school that is far enough away from your home, room and board may be an extra expense beyond tuition. This cost will vary based on the school. For example, the average cost for sixth form boarding according to the ISC is more than £13,600 per year, seniors more than £12,000 and juniors £9,320. 

Miscellaneous items 

These are items such as meals, school-related trips, music or dance lessons, a school uniform, textbooks, and supplies for specialised courses. For example  school uniform at a private high school can cost anywhere from £30 to £300. Check with each school for a complete list of miscellaneous expenses you can expect.

Tuition insurance

If you are making tuition payments, most private schools will require that you purchase tuition insurance. This protects the school in case you can no longer make tuition payments, and also protects you in case your child must withdraw from school for any reason.

How to pay for private school: 3 resources

While private school is expensive, paying for a private education for parents on a wide range of incomes. Discover five private school funding sources, below.

1. Private school scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships can be a brilliant way to help to pay for the bulk of school fees – but bear in mind that competition can be tough. Each different scholarship will have a different deadline too so bear that in mind. 

A scholarship is often offered based on academic performance, whereas a bursary offered to those in financial need. 

• The Springboard Foundation works with state schools to provide fully funded school places for young people from deprived backgrounds who need them the most.
• Schools offer their own scholarship and bursary programmes, which can be found on the British Council website. 

2. Financial aid for private school

The ISC found that 33.8% of all private school pupils get help with their fees through bursaries and scholarships, which take some of the financial burden and fee paying from parents. A lot of this fee assistance comes from the school itself, according to the ISC. They also say there’s been a general upward trend in schools giving help to families for fee paying.  

3. Fundraising for private school

Crowdfunding is a fun and easy way to raise money for tuition, and you can even include your kid or teen in fundraising efforts. Plus, your child will learn valuable skills they can use later on through the experience of starting a fundraiser—for example, fundraising to help pay for university.

Examples of successful private school fundraisers

Take a look at how families are using the power of crowdfunding for help paying for private school tuition.

Help Timothy’s school tuition

Brittany, a single mother to two children, wanted to ensure her children would receive a proper education. The location of her home and job along with some learning challenges her children face forced Brittany to put her kids in private school. However, the cost of a private school on top of regular expenses was getting overwhelming. She started a fundraiser and it reached its fundraising goal, raising $4,000 to allow her children to continue to attend their private school.

Private school funding for Jackson

Wyndi started a fundraiser for her son Jackson, a 10-year-old with Down Syndrome. She knew her son needed a more personalised learning environment beyond what the public school system could offer. She raised nearly $8,000 to help pay for a private school that is tailored to Jackson’s needs.

Ashlyn’s school tuition

As a single mother, Velvet wanted to provide the best possible education for her daughter Ashlyn—but was worried about the cost of private high school. Ashlyn helped research different options and was accepted into a local private high school that was willing to work with the family on tuition payments. With extra help from her fundraiser, Velvet raised over $2,000 to cover the remaining tuition balance.

 Find financial assistance for private school costs today

Sending your child to a private school doesn’t have to mean that your family goes into debt. There are many resources available to help pay for tuition, and online fundraising is a quick way to raise the money you need. With GoFundMe, our Customer Care team is here to support you every step of the way. Start your fundraiser for private school tuition today.

 The Evolution of the Wishing Well

What is a Wishing Well for Weddings?

A Wishing Well for weddings is a way to indicate you might want cash gifts over physical in a tasteful way. These cash gifts could go towards a multitude of things; you could be asking for donations for a charity close to your heart or contributions to your honeymoon fund, for example. You aren’t putting pressure on guests or asking for a specific amount – there is no obligation to contribute if they can’t. Your guests can also donate anonymously on GoFundMe.

From Physical to Digital: The Modern Cash Registry

A Wishing Well more traditionally might have been a space at the wedding reception where guests could place cards containing their chosen cash sum throughout the night. However with the rise of crowdfunding and collection platforms, this has been made easier and more secure. You can set up the page prior to the wedding and let people know of your intentions before circulating the link either prior to the big day or on the day itself.

Planning Your Wedding Wishing Well

Choosing the Right Cash Registry Platform

So, you and your spouse-to-be have decided that the Wishing Well structure would work best at your wedding. There are a variety of specialist platforms you can choose from that cater specifically to this need. For example, you can start a crowdfunder on GoFundMe for your wedding Wishing Well with ease.

 Incorporating ‘Wishing Well for Wedding’ into Your Theme

Once you’ve decided on which platform to use and started your Wishing Well, it’s important to let people know that you’ve got one and how they can donate to it. Consider circulating an email just before the wedding letting your guests know that this is what you’re doing. It might also be an idea to put QR codes or the link to your Wishing Well on the tables at your wedding or even at the bar for reception guests. You can easily create QR codes on GoFundMe for guests to scan and donate easily.

How to Set Up Your Wishing Well (Cash Registry)

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up

The next step in setting up your wedding cash registry is just that – setting it up! It’s important when starting your Wishing Well to think of a realistic goal. This can be upped at a later date if you do meet it, too. Think of a title for your crowdfunding page which reflects what you’re doing – something short and snappy explaining that this is your wedding registry is good. Think about fundraising story too – we can go into more detail on this in the next section.

Personalising Your Wishing Well

Now for the important part – personalising your Wishing Well. This is where you really get to tell your story and let people know what you’re going to do with their contributions. You should consider:

• Telling people what you are going to do with their donations
• If it’s for something personal like a honeymoon, put in as much detail as you can about why you want to go there and what you’re going to do
• You could even mention what level of donation will provide what – for example, when you hit £50 you’ll be able to go for your first meal as a married couple
• If you’re raising money through your wedding for a charity or a good cause tell people this and let them know why.

 Wishing Well Etiquette and Tips

Wording Your Wishing Well Invitation

When it comes to wording your Wishing Well invitation, be considerate of the fact that no one is under obligation to donate and anything contributed will be very much appreciated. Try and reflect this in your wording and also you could notify people that their donation can also appear anonymously on the page if they wished, too. You can have a look at our guide on how to word emails here if you need some inspiration on this, too.

Managing Contributions

An important part of any crowdfunding experience is to thank your donors – and this is especially pertinent if you’re fundraising for a personal cause, like a Wishing Well, because you can let them know exactly where their contribution is going! You can thank your donors on GoFundMe through the website after they’ve made a donation, but also consider sending personalised texts or emails to say thanks. After the wedding it might also be nice to send physical cards and updates on how you’ve used their cash contributions. 

Making the Most of Your Wedding Wishing Well

Creative Ideas for Your Cash Gifts

There are a number of creative ways you could make best use of your Wedding Wishing Well once the big day is over. You don’t even need a specific goal when you start the registry, just make that clear when you’re writing your story. You could:

• Use it to go on a honeymoon or a trip of a lifetime
• Use it towards a deposit to a new home
• Home improvements or decorating
• An experience you can share together like a meal out or even something a bit more adventurous – hot air balloon ride anyone? 
• Starting a joint savings account

Start your Wedding Wishing Well today

A Wedding Wishing Well is a timeless take on a long standing tradition and something that has been modernised to meet the needs of couples today. It can help to ease pressure on guests not knowing what you have or what to buy you, or feeling like they have to spend a set amount to make your big day special. Start a GoFundMe Wedding Wishing Well today to forge your own wedding traditions.