TODAY THE whole community are coming together to celebrate. Not just for World Book Day (March 5) but for the launch of the eagerly anticipated sequel in the award-winning children’s book series about sickle cell.

Tackling the lack of awareness of a genetic disorder that affects more than 15,000 people in the UK, specialist speaker on sickle cell and invisible illnesses, Jenica Leah, published her first children’s book about sickle cell in August 2016 entitled My Friend Jen – A Little Different.

Since then she has won several awards for her book, as well as achieving international success with acknowledgement and purchases from sickle cell organisations all over the world.

Jenica announced the launch date of the second second title in her series of sickle cell books back in October 2019.

However, just before Christmas she was told she would need to have hip surgery due to a bone condition she has, which was triggered by her sickle cell condition. Just one week after the surgery, Jenica announced that she would not postpone her book launch.

With the help and support of the whole community, the launch of My Friend Jen – The Check Up will be celebrated as planned on Thursday, March 5 for World Book Day.

The exciting and fun filled afternoon of celebrations will start from 4pm at The Hagley at Ibis Styles Hotel, Hagley Road, Birmingham.

The venue themselves and local charity for sickle cell and thalassaemia OSCAR Birmingham are sponsors of the event, as well as other local businesses in Birmingham.

Encompassing the 2020 World Book Day theme to ‘share a million stories’, Jenica will be sharing My Friend Jen, as well as raising awareness for sickle cell. 

To find out more about the World Book Day celebration and My Friend Jen book launch visit www.myfriendjen.co.uk.