This Black History Month, Racial Justice Adviser the Revd Polly Falconer takes a look at some of the people who have inspired her...
Living Black Shero: Professor Dame Elizabeth Anionwu
Professor Dame Elizabeth Anionwu is a pioneering figure in British healthcare whose life and work have transformed the treatment and understanding of inherited blood disorders, particularly sickle cell anaemia.
Born in Birmingham in 1947 to a Nigerian father and Irish mother, Elizabeth entered the world at a time when interracial relationships were considered scandalous. Her early life was shaped by societal prejudice and personal hardship. She spent her first six months in a mother and baby home with her Catholic mother, followed by nine years in care under the supervision of Catholic nuns.
It was during this time that a pivotal moment occurred: at the age of four, suffering from severe eczema, Elizabeth received compassionate care from a nun. This experience inspired her to pursue a career in nursing. She left school at 16 with good qualifications and a clear sense of purpose.
However, her path was not without obstacles. Elizabeth recalled: “When I was 16 or 17, I applied to four London teaching hospitals to do nursing. All of them asked for my photo plus the name of my father and his occupation, but I didn’t know it as I hadn’t met him at that point. I had seven O-levels with good grades, and I didn’t get a reply from any of them. I couldn’t understand why I didn’t even get any feedback. That was the first barrier.”
Despite these challenges, Elizabeth persevered. While working as a nurse, she witnessed the devastating effects of sickle cell anaemia – a group of inherited disorders affecting haemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in red blood cells. The condition disproportionately affects people of African and Caribbean descent, though it is also found among Mediterranean and other populations.
Struck by the lack of awareness, research, and effective care, Elizabeth became the UK’s first specialist sickle cell nurse. Her groundbreaking work led to the establishment of dedicated nurse specialist roles in NHS hospitals across the country, including Berkshire NHS Trust hospitals in the Oxford Diocese. This marked a turning point in the care and understanding of sickle cell anaemia.
Beyond her clinical contributions, Professor Dame Elizabeth Anionwu has been a tireless advocate for racial equality and historical recognition. She co-founded the Sickle Cell Society and co-led a 12-year campaign to honour Mary Seacole – a nurse of mixed heritage who cared for soldiers on the front line during the Crimean War and served the royal family, yet remained largely unacknowledged by history. Thanks to this campaign, a statue of Mary Seacole now stands proudly at the entrance of St Thomas’ Hospital in London.
Professor Dame Elizabeth Anionwu’s legacy is one of resilience, compassion, and transformative impact. She is a true shero whose work continues to inspire generations of healthcare professionals and advocates.
For more information about Dame Elizabeth and her achievements visit the Royal College of Nursing website.
Polly Falconer
Racial Justice Adviser