The Red Cell Network's London Zoo event: A day of connection and community

On Saturday 19 October, The Red Cell Network hosted a transformative family day at London Zoo, bringing together patients, families, volunteers, and healthcare professionals for an experience that offered both entertainment and health provision.

This event was a rare opportunity for families dealing with red cell disorders (sickle cell, thalassaemia, and rare anaemias) to connect with supportive resources and each other. The success of the event has left a lasting impact on those who attended. 

The day began with a warm meet-and-greet session, a welcoming time for families to mingle with other attendees and feel immediately part of a compassionate community. They roamed round the information stalls, interacting with volunteers and representatives from a range of charities and healthcare providers. These organisations provided crucial information, offering support options and self-care advice, opening doors to a network that many families had previously felt isolated from.

As one parent expressed, “My family and I would like to say a huge thank you for the most wonderful day, which has provided us with a lifeline in terms of support. Before we had this opportunity, we had no support from a wider community due to the fact that my daughter's condition is so rare. It has opened up a whole new world for us.” 

Throughout the morning children and adults alike enjoyed engaging activities like arts and crafts, face-painting, and a 360-degree camera experience, making the event both informative and fun. 

The main highlight of the day was the much-anticipated expert panel discussion. Moderated by Dr Andrea Leigh, the panel included a group of leading specialists dedicated to answering patient questions and sharing insights into healthcare and treatment options. Dr Janine Younis, Christopher Dean, Dr Ben Carpenter, Nneka Smith, Dr Kofi Anie, Dr Noemi Roy, Roanna Maharaj, and Dr Martin Besser each contributed their expertise, creating an open and collaborative atmosphere that encouraged questions from the audience. Attendees received valuable advice from the experts, addressing issues from medical care to navigating everyday life challenges. 

The panel discussion wasn’t just an educational session but a real conversation that empowered attendees to gain a better understanding of their conditions and connect with professionals who are deeply invested in improving quality of life for rare-disease communities. For those who couldn’t attend, the session was recorded and is now available on The Red Cell Network’s Patient Hub, ensuring that these insights can reach a wider audience. 

Following the panel, everyone enjoyed a lunch break—a chance to unwind, chat, and share their experiences in a relaxed environment. Then, with full stomachs, families ventured out to explore London Zoo. This part of the day allowed children and adults to experience the joy of the zoo’s famous exhibits, creating cherished memories and further strengthening the bonds formed throughout the event. 

As the afternoon wrapped up, everyone returned to the Prince Albert Suite for a special closing session. Competition winners were announced, bringing excitement and smiles, and attendees provided feedback on the day’s experience. The Red Cell Network team and volunteers received heartfelt words of gratitude, with one attendee commenting, “Thank you again for inviting us to the event. We nearly didn’t make it. Esther was in pain Friday night and woke up in pain Saturday morning, but she persevered. She completely got lost in the event from the moment we arrived until the end. The venue, food, info, etc. was all very good. Thank you to all the organisers and volunteers!” 

Reflecting on the event, it’s clear that the collective efforts of The Red Cell Network and the dedicated volunteers made a profound difference. For families managing rare and complex health conditions, the day wasn’t just an outing—it was a gateway to a community many did not previously know how to access. The appreciation expressed by families reflects the importance of such opportunities, not only for information but also for feeling understood and connected. 

Through this event, The Red Cell Network has fostered a greater sense of unity among families and patients, showing them that they’re not alone on their journey. It was a celebration of resilience, kindness, and the power of community support.