A SPECIAL event is to be held in Basingstoke to raise awareness of the danger of blood clots, which kill more people each year than breast cancer, traffic accidents and AIDS combined.

The Health Focus event, which is open to the public, will aim to educate people about what they can do to reduce the risk of a potentially life-threatening embolism.

The guest speaker will be consultant haematologist Dr Tamara Everington, who is based at Hampshire Hospitals’ specialist Haemophilia, Haemostasis and Thrombosis Centre.

Dr Everington said: “I have seen how massive advances in blood science research have transformed the lives of our patients, and I became a haematologist because I wanted to be part of that.

“I look forward to seeing many people at the Health Focus event, and talking more about bleeding and clotting.”

Dr Everington will talk about the things people can do to protect themselves. She will also speak about an online tool she launched to help people establish their risk of getting blood clots.

The tool is currently available on the NHS Choices website.

The event will be held at The Ark Conference Centre on Tuesday, April 8 at 6.30pm. All are welcome to attend the free-entry evening.