A LOVE Island hunk has revealed a devastating family tragedy which saw his fit and healthy cousin die ‘out of the blue’.
Konnor Ewudzi, 29, entered ITV2 dating show last year – but he failed to find a meaningful connection.
Konnor revealed how his “whole family impacted by sickle cell disorder – sickle cell.”
This is a genetic condition affecting the red blood cells.
He shared: “My cousin, Alexander was born with sickle cell. He died at just 28, out of the blue.
“He had just graduated from Cambridge University as an architect.
“He was not sick or suffering any long term illnesses – his organs just gave up one day.
“It is so sad that this can rob us of such beautiful lives at such young ages.
“Testing is so key. And blood giving even more so.”
People born with sickle cell have two parents carrying the “trait” – hence why such importance is placed on testing.
The cells develop into a crescent shape and can cause blockages of the blood vessels.
In turn, this can lead to pain and potential organ damage.
Konnor added: “For me, I am on one of the lucky ones. My Dad (Godfrey) carries the trait, so does my Sister Billie-May.
“My Mum Siobhan is mixed race, and she didn’t carry the trait, which is why I am so fortunate.
“But my Auntie Freda, Uncle Richard and late Cousin Alexander, were not so lucky.
“They suffered terribly growing up, with hospital visits and blood transfusions required to help them with their pain and suffering.”
His dad, Godfrey, added: “Seeing the way it has affected Freda, my Brother Richard and the sad loss of my late nephew, Alexander, is just heartbreaking. We just want to help more people avoid what we went through if possible.”
Konnor assembled his close family for a photo shoot at Abbey Wood estate – a filming location for superhero drama Supacell.
The Netflix programme follows a group of five ordinary black people – united by a family history of sickle cell disease.
Regarding the show, Konnor said: “The series did an amazing job of highlighting the condition to the public, but there is so much more people need to know.”
He continued “One blood unit or donation which takes 20 mins can help up to three patients – so it really is an incredibly easy way to help sickle cell sufferers.
“There are blood donation centres all over the UK so we are hoping the numbers go up after sharing our personal stories.”
WHAT IS SICKLE CELL DISEASE?
SICKLE cell disease is a genetic condition that prevents red blood cells from developing properly.
The cells can become abnormally shaped and die quicker than healthy blood cells, raising the risk of clots or blood vessel blockages.
Most people live normal lives with the condition but it can trigger flare-ups called sickle cell crises, when symptoms become painful and may lead to complications.
Signs include:
- Dizziness
- Pain
- Tiredness and weakness
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
Patients with sickle cell disorders are also at higher risk of infections, anaemia (low blood iron), gallstones, stroke, high blood pressure and kidney problems.
There is no definitive cure for sickle cell disease and many patients require treatment throughout their lives.
An estimated 15,000 people in England have it and it is more common in black people.
John James OBE, Chief Executive of the Sickle Cell Society said: “Sickle cell disorder is the UK’s fastest growing genetic condition, but people living with it still face too much silence and too little support.
“That’s why we’re asking people to ‘Tell It Loud’ this World Sickle Cell Day — by sharing their story, giving blood, and getting MPs to support better employment rights for people living with the condition.
“We’re so grateful to Konnor for sharing his story and helping us shine a light on sickle cell and the urgent need for more action, more awareness and more black heritage blood donors.”
For more information on Sickle Cell, head to www.sicklecellsociety.org.
