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A group of young people suffering from the blood disorder, sickle cell disease, are hosting a star-studded talent show in order to raise awareness and understanding of sickle cell disease (SCD).

The Broken Silence talent show, taking place on the 26 September 2009 at Brent Town Hall in Wembley will be hosted by Angie Greaves of Magic 105.4FM, and judged by a panel of experts including funky house DJ Donae’o, actor Daniel Green (The Bill and Holby Blue) and founder of the AMCK dance agency, Aicha McKensie.

16 acts from the hundreds of auditioning acts from the UK will be chosen for the finals, which will represent various talents including singers, dancers and MCs.

If you think you have a talent worth showcasing in this popular competition come along to the upcoming auditions taking place on 21 and 28 June, and also the 5, 12 and 19 July.

Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder affecting the red blood cells, and is mainly found in people of black and ethnic minorities. It is estimated that in the UK, 12,500 people have SCD. The condition can cause severe anaemia, damage to major organs and infections. Sickle cell is caused by inherited genes that create defective blood cells. People with sickle cell have sickle-shaped blood cells that can build up and cause blockages in small blood vessels, causing severe pain known as sickle cell crisis. Patients may require blood transfusions every 3-4 weeks.

Audition details:

Dates: 21 June -19 July 2009

Place: Lancaster Youth Centre, 128a Lancaster Rd, London, W11 1QS.

Applicants must be aged between 13 and 24.

Tickets for final show are £10 for adults and £7 for children.

For more details on audition applications or to purchase tickets for the final show, visit www.brokensilence.org

Words by Nadifa Sheikhey