Two sisters from Birmingham have joined forces this festive season to support families facing a devastating and rare blood condition, drawing from their own deeply personal experience.
A Family's Journey with a Rare Condition
Erica Bicknell was diagnosed with aplastic anaemia at just seven years old. This serious illness occurs when bone marrow fails to produce enough new blood cells, leaving patients vulnerable to infections, anaemia, and bleeding. Erica's treatment required a life-saving bone marrow transplant, leading to a prolonged and difficult hospital stay.
Her father, Chris Bicknell, described the family feeling completely lost during that traumatic time. Their world changed when they received a special delivery from The Aplastic Anaemia Trust, the only UK charity dedicated solely to the condition.
The Power of a 'Bravery Box'
The package contained a 'Bravery Box' – a carefully curated selection of toys, practical items, and crucial information designed to support a child during hospital treatment. "We couldn’t believe it when the girls’ boxes arrived, it made us feel seen," Chris recalled. "It showed us we were not going through this alone."
Now, Erica and her sister Aimee-Kay are ensuring other families receive the same lifeline. The pair have helped pack their own Bravery Boxes as part of The Aplastic Anaemia Trust’s 2025 Christmas Appeal.
Aiming to Raise £12,000 for a New Base
The charity's festive campaign has a clear goal: to raise £12,000. This sum will cover the first four months' costs for their new office in Birmingham, enabling them to expand their support network.
Ellie Dawes, Deputy CEO and Head of Fundraising and Communications at the Trust, said: "It was a real joy to create this video with Erica and Aimee-Kay. Aplastic anaemia is a serious, life-threatening condition that is tough on the whole family. Meeting the Bicknells, it’s clear how strong and supportive they are of each other."
She added: "We hope the appeal will be a success so we can be there for more families through the most difficult times."
In a further show of community support, a touching musical tribute has been created for Erica. Chris's bandmate, James from Jimmy Eff & The Sundogs, wrote a song titled Better Like Before, which documents Erica's fight and recovery. The track is available on Spotify and iTunes, with an official video on YouTube and TikTok.
The Trust has also announced that donations made to the appeal, up to a total of £10,500, will be generously doubled.
