School of Health and Social Care Dean's Lecture - An evening with Professor Dame Elizabeth Anionwu

Elizabeth Anionwu set up the first UK sickle cell and thalassaemia counselling centre in Brent, London. Elizabeth became the first specialist nurse for sickle cell and thalassaemia in the UK.

Her career was distinguished by her pioneering work in the understanding of sickle cell disease. Following her retirement she spent 12 years fundraising and campaigning for a statue to Mary Seacole.

Professor Anionwu set up the first UK sickle cell and thalassaemia counselling centre in Brent, became the first specialist nurse for sickle cell and thalassaemia in the UK, received a DBE in 2017, won the Pride of Britain Lifetime Award in 2019, and appeared on Desert Island Discs. Her accolades and achievements are many, but so are the struggles and barriers to success she has endured. Growing up Black in Britain in the 40s and 50s Elizabeth's experiences of racism and injustice drove her to fight for change. Her life of dedication to serving the NHS, her resilience in the face of such adversity and her relentless pursuit for racial justice is inspirational.

We are privileged to call her a friend of the School and invite you to enjoy an inspirational evening in her company.

Due to the popularity of this event places are limited, please register your interest on Zoom.