Birmingham sisters Erica and Aimee-Kay Bicknell are starring in this year’s Christmas appeal for the Aplastic Anaemia Trust – after the charity supported their family through Erica’s fight with a rare and life-threatening blood disorder.
Erica was just seven when she was diagnosed with aplastic anaemia, a condition as serious as leukaemia but far less well-known.
Her father, Chris, recalls the shock: “With Erica facing a bone marrow transplant and a long hospital stay, we felt completely adrift.”
That all changed when a Bravery Box arrived from the charity, filled with information about the disease, practical items and toys to comfort Erica during her hospital stay. “It made us feel seen,” said Chris. “It showed us we were not going through this alone.”
Erica’s treatment brought further challenges. Her only chance of survival was a half-match bone marrow transplant from her father, and she spent months in isolation at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. “When I wanted to see my sister, we had to speak through the glass,” said Aimee-Kay. “I missed her so much. It’s not an easy thing for any family to go through.”
£10,500 raised so far towards a goal of £12,000
Now fully recovered, the sisters are helping raise funds for the charity’s new Birmingham postal hub, which packs and sends Bravery Boxes and clinically approved booklets to families and hospitals across the UK. The aim is to raise £12,000 to cover the first four months of 2026.
As part of the appeal, Erica and Aimee-Kay visited the office, helped pack a Bravery Box, and filmed a campaign video. Donations are now live with contributions up to £10,500 being doubled through The Big Give Christmas Challenge.
Chris also released a charity single, ‘Better Like Before’ by Jimmy Eff & The Sundogs, inspired by Erica’s journey, with an accompanying video featuring other affected families. Erica and Aimee-Kay also designed this year’s Christmas cards for the charity, with Aimee-Kay’s design nearly selling out.
Ellie Dawes, Deputy CEO of The Aplastic Anaemia Trust, said: “Aplastic anaemia is a serious condition that affects the whole family. Meeting the Bicknells, it’s clear how strong and supportive they are of each other. We hope this appeal will allow us to support more families through the most difficult times.”
The Aplastic Anaemia Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to this rare condition, providing research, expert information, and support for patients and families. Visit theaat.org.uk for advice, support, or to donate.
