Port Royal Patties, based in Wembley, has teamed up with NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) as part of this year’s National Blood Week, which takes place from June 9 to June 15.
The street food company will distribute 180,000 Jamaican patties across the capital, with each carrying a ‘Blood Saves Lives’ slogan and a unique QR code.
When scanned, the code directs people to a blood donation registration page, making it as easy as possible to sign up to donate.
The initiative comes against the backdrop of falling blood stocks across the nation and a rising demand for Black heritage donors.
Despite reaching record numbers, 16,000 more donors are needed per year to meet the increasing demand.
The NHS particularly needs donors of Black heritage to meet the growing need for blood to treat sickle cell, which is the country’s fastest-growing inherited blood disorder that disproportionately affects Black communities.
NHSBT assistant director Iroro Agba said: “We don’t have enough donors with the Ro blood type to meet the needs of the growing numbers of sickle cell patients in London and across the country.
“London’s Black heritage communities have risen to the challenge and are donating in record numbers, but as demand increases, so too does the need to recruit more donors.
“We’re constantly developing partnerships with community groups and businesses, such as Port Royal Patties, to find ever more innovative ways to get the message out that registering to give blood is quick and easy and saves lives.”
Edward Johnston, managing director of Port Royal Patties, said: “We are a London company with Jamaican heritage that feels it is vital we support initiatives that help the community thrive and grow.
“I’m proud that we are a part of the drive to encourage more Black people to give blood.
“I encourage other businesses in London and across the country to do all they can to support NHSBT with their lifesaving work.”
