I came across a tweet by Lianne Robertsonof the Surviving Actors Ltd. this morning, spreading the awareness of a cause that truly deserves all of our attention.
Olivia Downie is a very brave little 7-year-old, diagnosed with Neuroblastoma.
What is Neuroblastoma?
Currently stranded in Mexico, where the family flew in a last-ditch attempt at lifesaving treatment; Olivia's condition has now deteriorated and The Downies need to be flown privately back to the UK with medical staff and assistance, if Olivia is to get home to see the rest of her family one final time.
deer oh deer, Lekhem and myself all enjoyed a FAB May Sunday in this year's 5-minute Summer window - courtesy of Tamu and Kenema Girl at The First Lady LDN Fayre.
Welcomed like extended family from our first contact, the Summer Fayre was one of those rarities that operated more like a fun day out, as opposed to typical work event where the ESP family were out in near full-force! More about that later...
The SuperTeam are back to do it again for their First Anniversaryand, in honour of the event where deer oh deer have some exclusive twists to The Heritage Collection ONLY available at the event; Tamu had a fun, 'get-to-know-you' chat with Lekhem in advance of his set.
Not just a stellar shopping opportunity, excellent learning curve through the inspiring workshops and opportunity to make waist-room for your impending plates of Christmas Crimes at the Zumba workshop; The First Lady are all about highlighting the lesser known causes that aren't granted as much of a popular spotlight.
Shopping, music and entertainment are all good and fun, but The First Lady team have a bigger picture in mind. The May Fayre raised enough to secure Secondary school education for two young girls in Sierra Leone and with the aid of the Inspirational You Social Enterprise, many more works are being done, starting right here on our own doorstep. It's works and dedication of this kind that inspires the ESP Family to donate time and services. More on that will be coming on that in 2012 so watch this space; but in the meantime I urge you to get in contact and do the same.
Going back to that 'Summer Second'; deer oh deer experienced a very successful day at the May Fayre. We spent some great time interacting with new fans of the brand and made some great lasting contacts:
On the musical front, Lekhem dropped a track or few in a MONSTER set that included a then exclusive debut of Ladies Favourite, 'Thoughts of Her'...
We're VERY grateful to Tamu and The First Lady for ALL the support they've shown us over the past seven months. You're an excellent cause, an inspiration and a force to be reckoned with. See you Sunday!
£5 tickets are available NOW via Eventbrite - come and say hello!
YOUTH CHARITY BROKEN SILENCE HOSTS TALENT SHOW TO RAISE AWARENESS OF SICKLE CELL DISEASE
A group of young people suffering from the blood disorder, sickle cell disease, are hosting a star-studded talent show in order to raise awareness and understanding of sickle cell disease (SCD) and highlight its devastating effects on the lives of those people who have it.
The annual Broken Silence talent show takes place on the 1st October at Brent Town Hall in Wembley and will be hosted by comedian Wayne 'Dibbi' Rollins & AJ King from Kiss FM. Contestants will be judged by a panel of experts including upcoming, funky house artist – Big Man Zest, Realz from So Solid Crew, DJ Gussy of Roots FM, Aicha McKensie, founder of the AMCK dance agency, Andrew Tayo, Founder of UBand and soon to launch UBand TV, and Darren Dixon, Co-owner of Above and Beyond (AAB) talent agency.
Talent show guests will also be treated to some very special guest performances by Realz and Big Man Zest.
There will be 16 acts in the final show representing various talents including singers, dancers and MCs chosen from the hundreds of auditioning acts from across the UK.
The talent show is also being supported by U-Band and My Hood. UBand is an exciting digital music media agency helping to shape the UK music industry. UBand will award the winning contestant of each category with a professional photo shoot to help further their professional career. My Hood, a fashion label making a difference to urban culture, will be showcasing their varied designs with a catwalk performance during the event.
Ellen Wright of My Hood said: 'My Hood has always built our brand on the message that we want people to be proud of where they come from and be positive about where they can get to. Broken Silence embodies all that we believe in - set up by a group of young people (all sufferers of SCD) and helping to fight for the rights of so many people affected by SCD in the UK - we find them truly inspiring. It is an honour to be able to support such a wonderful charity, which does such valuable work within the community and around the country.'
About sickle cell disease Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder affecting the red blood cells, and is mainly found in people of black and ethnic minorities. It is estimated that in the UK, 12,500 people have SCD. The condition can cause severe anaemia, damage to major organs and infections. Sickle cell is caused by inherited genes that create defective blood cells. People with sickle cell have sickle-shaped blood cells that can build up and cause blockages in small blood vessels, causing severe pain known as sickle cell crisis. Patients may require blood transfusions every 3-4 weeks.
About Broken Silence Broken Silence is a registered charity founded in 2004 by four teenagers with sickle cell disease in memory of their friend, Leona Dehaney who died from complications relating to the disease. Broken Silence campaigns for the rights of people with SCD.
Nordia James, one of the founding members of Broken Silence was diagnosed with sickle cell at six years old:
“I’ve experienced immense pain throughout my childhood because of sickle cell. I’m regularly rushed to hospital for blood transfusions or injections because of the disease.” Sickle Cell is one of the most commonly inherited genetic disorders in the country. The charity has gained the support of a number of celebrities (including Kiss FM, MTV Base and Choice FM stars), community radio stations, well-known singers and stars from the stage and screen including: Choice FM, Unique FM, Roots FM, Shola Ama and her sister Sadie, reggae legend Tippa Irie and ITV’s ‘The Bill’ actor Clifford Samuel. The team is also supported by a number of commercial and community organisations including;Genesis Community Chest, Brent Council’s Harlesden and Stonebridge, Regeneration & Renewal Team and the Jack Petchey Foundation.
Giving blood Broken Silence would like to urge the public to register with the ACLT (African Caribbean Leukemia Trust) to give blood. Since sickle cell sufferers require regular blood transfusions in order to lower the amount of haemoglobin S red blood cells in the body. When there are fewer sickled haemoglobin S cells in the bloodstream, they are less likely to build up and block blood vessels.
Blood transfusions also increases the number of normal red blood cells in the body, increasing the supply of oxygen to the body.
Tickets for final show are £10 for adults and £7 for children. Please show your support. For more information about U-Band, please visit: http://uband.co.uk/
Julia Flint 0207 025 6411 Hannah Stuart 07985 197 374
NOTES TO THE EDITOR
* Sickle Cell is increasing within black communities in the UK. The majority of people who are affected by the disorder are black.
* People of West African heritage are more likely to be affected with up to 30 per cent being carriers, but even amongst the African Caribbean community eight to 10 per cent are affected. Broken Silence is also calling for more people, especially from the black community to be screened for the Sickle Cell.
* There has been very little research into treating Sickle Cell and sufferers can’t get free prescriptions unlike people with diabetes or cystic fibrosis - also long-term medical conditions.
* Sickle Cell affects the red blood cells, carry oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body. Normally red blood cells are donut-shaped and flexible but in people with Sickle Cell their red blood cells become inflexible and ‘sickle’ shaped. ‘Sickled’ red blood cells can’t squeeze through small blood vessels as easily as normal red blood cells, leading to these blood vessels becoming blocked and stopping oxygen passing through the body. The result can be death, damage to organs or severe pain (or ‘crisis’).
* Broken Silence is a registered UK charity founded in 2004 by four teenagers with Sickle Cell Disease in memory of Leona Dehaney, who sadly died from complications relating to the disease. It campaigns for the rights of (mainly young) people with Sickle Cell Disease. Among other activities, produces an annual talent show for dancers, singers and group acts to raise awareness of SCD.
It's been a minute since we had what I like to call a 'Lekoliday'. For those unfamiliar with Mr. Baker, let me explain...
@Lekhemmusic
A 'Lekoliday' is what happens when Lekhem decides he can't do one little thing at a time. He has to come at you with more offerings than a diabolical soul food spread at a family reunion!
In the case of October 1st, he drops 'Heartache Remix', a feature on Unsigned Hype: Vol. 1 (available at midnight).
Eighteen and a half hours later, catch him taking the stage with 15 other Finalists, all competing for the chance to be crowned Winner of the Broken Silence Finals at Brent Town Hall.
Those who have missed seeing Lekhem on the stage will get to enjoy an exclusive performance from the Baker Boy's upcoming second mixtape, 'HipHopology:1stSemester'. Ladies, take note: this one's for you ;o).
Tickets are still available at £10 for adults, £7 for children (with Oyster ID) or, alternatively you can pay on the door. Whichever you choose, just know that your fees are not pocket profit. You're donating to a cause that doesn't have anywhere NEAR enough focus and attention. More than that, you're helping to save lives.
But that's not all...For you long-time supporters, some announcements are coming to match The Raise in your expectations on October 2nd...
For more on the Broken Silence event tomorrow, read the press release here.
Looking forward to seeing you all there, don't forget to come say Hi!
It's almost time to partake in the weekend's Jamerican festivities, somebody pass my crepe crown and crackers...
