A teenage beauty queen who has dedicated her life to raising awareness about a blood disorder is holding a sports day to raise money.

Gillian Adjaye is inviting people to Burnt Oak Leisure Centre, Watling Avenue, near Edgware, to take part in “challenge accepted” on December 20.

The event, which will include netball, basketball and street dancing, will raise money to help combat sickle cell anaemia.

Gillian, 19, a biology student from Southampton University, became aware of the condition while competing in the Miss Ghana UK event.

The teenager became a passionate advocate of support for people with the debilitating disease and aims to spread awareness across the capital and beyond.

She said: “Unfortunately, many of us will know someone who has sickle cell anaemia or has died from it, as it’s the second most commonly inherited genetic disease in the UK.

“The event hopes to reach out to the 12,000 young people from the African and Caribbean community alone who suffer from sickle cell anaemia in this country.

“It also aims to help educate as many people as possible on the impact this disease has and the treatments which are available.”

People will also have the chance to win free driving lessons, a gym membership, tickets to see the London Lions basketball team at the Copper Box Arena and much more.

Sickle Cell Anaemia is a serious blood disorder that affects 250,000 people in the UK. It is a genetic disorder where the red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body, develop abnormally.

The event runs from 12.30pm to 4.15pm. To book a place click here.