A Redbridge resident has been honoured for supporting loved ones who have sickle cell and thalassaemia to mark the opening of a new community-based service.

They are disorders that affect how oxygen travels through the body, causing bone pain and other complications such as stroke. Mehmuna Mallu, 46, of Rivington Avenue, Woodford Green was recognised for caring for her daughter who has sickle cell disease.

She said: “As parents and carers, we have to be organised and prepared so we’re ready to support our loved ones with sickle cell. This new community service is really important to help us meet our duties, intervene as early as possible and increase awareness of the disease.”

Mehmuna runs the post office in Green Lane, Goodmayes, and uses her role to promote awareness.

The sickle cell service runs out of Barking Community Hospital.

Redbridge Clinical Commissioning Group chairman Dr Anil Mehta said: “I am really pleased we’ve got what was once a hospital service now in the heart of the community.”