In memory of Dr Ade Olujohungbe.

It was with great shock that we heard the sad news that Dr Adebayo Olujohungbe, Medical Advisor to the Sickle Cell Society, passed away on Sunday 26 May 2013 in Winnipeg, Canada, one week short of his 50th birthday.

We are most grateful to Ade’s family, in particular to his beloved children James and Olivia, for their request that donations be made in his memory to the Sickle Cell Society.

Known to his many friends as Ade or Bayo, he was born on June 3rd, 1963 in Ibadan, Nigeria to the late Funsho and Olabisi Olujohungbe. A graduate of King's College Lagos, he went on to study Medicine at University College Hospital, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.   He pursued more specialized study in the United Kingdom in Internal Medicine (1989), Haematology (1999), and Pathology (2006).  During this process he received a PhD (Doctor of Medicine) from the University of Birmingham for critical illuminating research on multiple myeloma in 1999.

Diagnosed at an early age with sickle cell anaemia, he chose to not only become a doctor but one who would devote his life to combatting and containing the disease.  He has since become one of the world’s foremost experts in the field of haematology and related oncology, who was well sought after and highly respected by his peers. Dr Ade, as he asked his patients to call him, was not only a great researcher but a wonderful doctor who was fully committed to the care and compassion for his patients.  He was also a wonderful role model for all those affected by the illness and a brilliant father and all round family man.

One of his most notable achievements was his leadership and chairmanship of the development of the first ever Standards for the Clinical Care of Adults with Sickle Cell Disease in the UK, launched in 2008.  This outstanding work was directly acknowledged by the then Prime Minister of the UK, Gordon Brown.  

Our deepest condolences go to his family.  We will miss Ade’s enthusiasm, charm and devotion to the cause of those affected by sickle cell disease. We are comforted by the immense legacy he has left us.  May you rest in peace dear Ade.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to make a donation in memory of Dr Ade: the Sickle Cell Society gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

You can also donate with your mobile phone, just text BAYO63 £5 and send to 70070.

Thank you for your support. 

Professor Elizabeth N Anionwu, CBE FRCN

Patron: The Sickle Cell Society