For more than 30 years, Hanson Zandi has worked with blood products, and we’re passionate about giving back — especially by supporting NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT).

This month, we’re especially proud to celebrate our own Digital Creative Director, Andrew, who has just donated blood for the 21st time. Even more significant during Sickle Cell Awareness Month is that Andrew’s blood is of the Ro subtype — a rare and vital match for patients living with sickle cell disorder.

Sickle cell disorder is a group of inherited blood conditions that cause red blood cells to develop an unusual shape, affecting how they move through the body. This condition is more common in people of African or Caribbean heritage (Sickle cell disease, 2025). The Ro subtype reflects this pattern, as it is about 10 times more common in these populations compared to those from white ethnic backgrounds. Yet, only 2.2% of donors who gave blood last year had this special subtype (A very special blood type, 2025).

The number of patients with sickle cell who rely on regular blood transfusions to manage their condition is increasing, and the demand for Ro blood is rising by around 10–15% every year (Ro blood, 2025).

We’re proud to play even a small part in helping meet this growing need.

References:

NHS. 2025. Sickle cell disease. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sickle-cell-disease
[Accessed 30 May 2025].

NHS Blood Donation. 2025. A very special blood type. [online] Available at: https://www.blood.co.uk/news-and-campaigns/the-donor-magazine-summer-2017/a-very-special-blood-type
[Accessed 30 May 2025].

NHS Blood Donation. 2025. Ro blood. [online] Available at: https://www.blood.co.uk/why-give-blood/demand-for-different-blood-types/ro-blood
[Accessed 30 May 2025].

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