A young talent agency founder has enlisted her skilled charges to perform a charity concert in aid of Sickle Cell anaemia.

Anthea Hudson, 21, from Thornton Heath set up Advocate Talent Agency eight months ago, and represents an assortment of artists, including photographers, DJ’s and singers.

Shocked by the struggles of a friend who suffers from the disease, she has called on her clients to help her out.

She says: "It is just something I didn’t know anything about. Seeing my friend in Mayday Hospital it really brought it home to me. I think a lot of people just have no idea about it and how it can affect people’s lives."

A disease that affects red blood cells, it dramatically reduces the carrier’s life expectancy, and is traditionally seen in those from African, Middle-Eastern, Eastern European and Asian backgrounds.

A former John Ruskin pupil, Hudson hopes the showcase of talent will become an annual event raising money for the Sickle Cell and Thalassemia Centre on Whitehorse Road, Thornton Heath.

She says: "As a voluntary group they always need help and support and this is where our show comes in we are hoping to put on a dance showcase raising awareness and raise money."

The event will be held at Fairfield Halls, Sunday May 20.