Ledley King and the “Journey of Blood”

On Tuesday 10 June, Tottenham Hotspur legend Ledley King visited the hospital to take part in a powerful “Journey of Blood” tour, highlighting the process and impact of blood donation.

Ledley met with Dr Nnenna Osuji, Chief Executive at North Mid, along with NHS Spurs committee members and supporters from health and community organisations. He toured the hospital laboratories, haematology day unit, and phlebotomy department — gaining insight into how blood is tested, processed and used.

In the haematology unit, he spoke with patients like Dino, who has thalassemia and has been receiving blood since he was six months old, and King Sinkinson, a former Spurs staff member living with sickle cell disease. Their stories brought home the life-changing role of blood donors.

Ward staff also shared their experiences. Sekayi Tangayi, Nurse Consultant, explained:

“Someone with sickle cell might need up to 12 units of blood every month. Blood donation really is a matter of life or death.”

Know your blood

Later in the week, on Friday 13 June, NHS Spurs supported a special blood type awareness event at North Mid. The event, which supports World Blood Donor Day (14 June), invited NHS staff and the public to find out their likely blood type through a simple finger-prick test — a key step toward registering as a donor.

Spurs legend Ossie Ardiles joined the event to show his support and speak with attendees about the importance of donation and awareness.

Powerful partnerships

Dr Nnenna Osuji, Chief Executive at North Mid and NHS Spurs Steering Committee member, said:

“At NHS Spurs, we’re passionate about using football’s reach to drive health impact. Yes, football is in our blood – but right now, blood stocks are low and the NHS needs more donors, especially those with O-type and rare blood types.”

Lawrence Tallon, President of NHS Spurs and CEO of the MHRA, added:

“These events are hopefully just the beginning of many unique opportunities to build a healthier, more connected community. Blood is one of the key pillars of NHS Spurs and working alongside both Tottenham Hotspur FC and the Spurs Foundation, we are incredibly excited to create a lasting legacy.”