A Liverpool scientist has drawn attention to the story of Henrietta Lacks, a woman who helped develop the polio vaccine without even knowing.
Akilah Walker, 31, works at the UK headquarters of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in Bootle as a regulatory scientist.
Akilah has had an interest in Black history long before the age of 10 due to her mum Leonora, who felt it important she knew her heritage. During Akilah’s university studies, a lecturer mentioned Henrietta Lacks and the importance of her cells.
