Our Pioneer's
Honouring Those Shoulders We Stand On
Dr Neville Roy Clare
8th May 1946 - 20th July 2015
8th May 1946 - 20th July 2015
Foundations & Legacy
Honouring the Life and Legacy of
Dr. Neville Roy Clare, MA, PhD
8th May 1946 – [Date of Passing]
Sickle Cell Warrior. Advocate. Pioneer. Mentor.
The SC CAUSE Awareness & Advocacy Departments are posthumously dedicated—with deep affection and lasting respect—to the late Dr. Neville Roy Clare, whose pioneering work continues to shape the very foundation of sickle cell support and activism across the UK and Europe.
Dr. Clare is also honoured annually through our OSCAR Awards Dedications, celebrating those who follow in his footsteps by uplifting and advocating for the sickle cell community.
A Life of Legacy
Born in Allman Town, Kingston, Jamaica, in 1946, Neville’s early years were marked by frequent illness, unexplained pain, and unanswered questions. At age 11, after relocating to Wood Green, North London, he faced harsh winters and worsening health. For years, doctors remained puzzled. When he was finally diagnosed with sickle cell anaemia, there was no guidance, no research, and no visible community.
Refusing to accept this silence, Neville took it upon himself to search for answers—researching extensively and connecting internationally in an era long before the internet. This personal journey of survival and discovery became a lifelong commitment to advocacy, education, and systemic change.
OSCAR: A Pioneering Blueprint
In 1975, while living with the condition himself, Dr. Clare founded the Organisation for Sickle Cell Anaemia Research (OSCAR). His work with OSCAR laid the blueprint for all UK and European sickle cell support and research organisations that followed.
OSCAR not only offered medical advocacy and information, but provided cultural understanding, emotional support, and community-based solutions. It became a vessel for the voices of those most affected—led by one of their own.
Dr. Clare’s commitment to holistic, community-rooted care was revolutionary for its time—and remains our guiding light today.
A Guiding Force Behind SC CAUSE
Dr. Neville Roy Clare was not only a founder of OSCAR—he was also the mentor and catalyst behind the birth of SC CAUSE. His belief in the power of lived experience, grassroots leadership, and cultural sensitivity continues to inform every layer of our organisation.
We honour his contribution not just in name, but in purpose. SC CAUSE is proud to carry forward his vision: to serve, support, educate, and empower those living with sickle cell—because he showed us how.
His Words, His Wisdom
Before his passing, Dr. Clare completed his autobiography, leaving behind a written legacy of his life’s journey, work, and unwavering spirit. It remains a source of inspiration for those walking the path he helped forge.
“He was a true stronghold and a vessel for the warrior's voice and experience.”
Curtis Stewart
SC.CAUSE Chairman
The true definition of a gentlemen
Curtis Augustus Stewart
Born: 9th April 1958, South London, United Kingdom
Memorial Date: 25th April 2017
Curtis dedicated his adult life to corporate management and IT. In 2008, he transitioned into a Network Marketing Business Builder, and in 2013, he began volunteering within the community to support those affected by Sickle Cell anaemia and took on the tasks assigned to him with great care and empathy.
As a founding member of SC Cause, Curtis was an inspirational and iconic figure, holding key positions of responsibility until his untimely passing.
• Treasurer (2015–2016)
• Chairman (2016–2017)
Curtis was highly valued for his IT expertise and attention to detail. A beloved member of the Committee, he was widely respected within both the Sickle Cell Community and the broader community. His contributions and legacy continue to inspire.
Media Lawrence
aka 'Cherry'
21st May 1961 - 2nd March 2022
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Suzan Treasure
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Martha Muli
Nurse Martha
1958 ~ 2021
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‘My mum saw and dealt with the person, not just
the dis-ease’ (Dorcus Mukupa, 2023)
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Above was a powerful statement expressed at our World Sickle Cell Day event 2023
by Dorcus Mukupta, the daughter of Martha Chitalu Mukupa most popularly known as Nurse Martha or Mama Martha Muli by the North Middlesex, Sickle Cell inpatients and The George Marsh Centre users 2002 - 2013.
Nurse Martha was well known for her listening ear and genuine care…
Even after retiring she gave of herself extensively to the Sickle Cell Community and partnered with SC.CAUSE to deliver Awareness Programmes across several UK based higher education establishments and Pentecostal churches.
Nurse Martha’ exemplary example of Care and dedicated service epitomises the quality and character of an individual we look for in our committee members, volunteers, partners and supporters.
Dr George Marsh
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