John Lawal

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Their story

He describes pain, fatigue and the careful planning needed before activities that others can do without a second thought. Care before his move to the UK helped him, and he is broadly pleased with his current NHS treatment, while recognising that the system has difficulties of its own.

The condition has closed off some opportunities. John also connects it to the perseverance, reflection and poetry that have become part of his life. He wants people to understand the severity of sickle cell and to recognise that it affects communities around the world.