The Michael Streete Foundation
(MSFDN) and Sickle Cell Anaemia
The Michael Streete Foundation (MSFDN) was established in memory of Michael Streete, who sadly lost his fight against Sickle Cell Anaemia in the summer of 2012, by his sister Kereen Streete. Through MSFDN Kereen wants to raise awareness about Sickle Cell Anaemia, educate people about the debilitating illness and raise muchneeded funds, whilst remembering her brother. Kereen says: “The MSFDN will strive to highlight the condition and the affect it has on the people living with it, both in the UK and across the world. We’ll be raising as much money as possible to try to save lives by developing new medications and finding a cure for the condition.” Sickle cell anaemia is an inherited blood disorder where the red blood cells which carry oxygen around the body, develop abnormally. The cells become rigid and shaped like a crescent or sickle, hence the name. The sickle shaped cells contain defective haemoglobin, these abnormal cells are also unable to move around as easily as normal shaped cells and can block blood vessels, resulting in tissue and organ damage and episodes of severe pain. These abnormal blood cells also have a shorter lifespan and aren’t replaced as quickly as normal blood cells. This leads to a shortage of red blood cells known as anaemia; which causes breathlessness and tiredness. The MSFDN held a fundraising evening at The Park Hall on Friday 3rd October. The event was a fantastic success and very well supported by family and friends of Michael, as well as many local business - from Wolverhampton and the surrounding areas - who were in attendance to show their support for the cause. As Kereen explains: “I want to give a massive thank you to every one of the 600 guests that attended the Michael Streete Foundation Gala Dinner 2014.” “A special thank you to all sponsors, supporters and partners including: Rubicon Casino, Tile Choice, Stratstone, Streete Project, Currys/PC World, Samsung, Thompson AVC, Nationwide Signs, Hipkiss & Sons, Norbain, Mercedes Benz, Vaillant, Corbelli Wines, Grovenor Casinos, Bar Sport, BMW, Northern Gas Heating, Royston Blythe, MontalbertSki, Supermalt, Grace Foods, Vauxhall, Broadway Casino, Greyhound Classic Cars, Interior Italia, Audi, Your Home Improvement Company to name a few.”
“Since the gala we’ve managed to source the materials needed to start school and workplace visits where we’ll be giving out important information about sickle cell anaemia and what our foundation plans to do to help.” “We’re planning to work closely with other organisations so that we are able to create awareness and get the resources that are very much needed.” “We are still awaiting payments, but if all comes through we’ll have managed to raise over £17,000, which is absolutely amazing. Every single penny from the event will be put straight into the foundation and used to create a voice that will soon be heard in the UK and worldwide.” “We’re working really hard to ensure great results in everything we wish to achieve. Keep checking www. MSFDN.com for up-dates - we’re making positive progress everyday.” “Thank you once again and I hope for your continued support.”
If you have any questions, you can contact the foundation by emailing info@msdfn.com If you’d like to make a donation go to: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MichaelStreete 28
wolverhampton west magazine | january 2015