Donor Stories
Check out our donor stories below to hear more about what it’s like to give blood and why it’s so important. To learn more about those who have relied on blood transfusions, make sure to read Lorna, Rachel, Luke, Jodie, Tito and Elen’s stories!
Lorna’s Story
During Lorna’s pregnancy in 2022, she experienced a life-threatening complication where she needed several blood and platelet transfusions.
Lorna puts her experience very simply - if it had not been for the blood transfusions she received that day, she would not have survived. We encourage you to take a moment to read Lorna’s story and learn more about the impact the act of blood donation has had on not only her own life, but Lorna’s whole family’s.
Rachel’s Story
Following a three and a half year battle with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML), 22-year-old Rachel sadly passed away in May this year. We encourage you to read Rachel’s story to learn about the impact donated blood had on her treatment journey, and sign up to give blood in her memory, so that others can benefit from blood transfusions in the same way Rachel did.
Katie’s Donation Story
“If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.”
After six attempts, 21-year-old university student Katie was recently successful in giving a full blood donation at the Edinburgh Blood Donor Centre! To hear more about Katie’s experience, follow the link below:
Luke’s Story
This story was written following an interview with Luke in December 2022. Luke sadly passed away in March 2023, aged 21, following a five-month battle with leukaemia. It was an absolute privilege to work with Luke to organise a blood drive in Shetland and Glasgow - we were completely in awe of his passion and courage during this difficult time. We hope his story will continue to remind people why it is so important to give blood, and encourage those who can donate to do so, until they’re no longer able.
Tito’s story
To mark World Sickle Cell Day, we spoke with Tito Oye, 25, from London about her experience of living with Sickle Cell Disease, how this has impacted her life, and why it is so important to raise awareness surrounding the condition.
Ailsa’s Story
For many, blood donation is a choice, but can you imagine when donating blood that it not only benefits someone in need, but is life changing for yourself?
Read Ailsa’s story to hear more about how she donates blood regularly to help manage the genetic condition she lives with, called haemochromatosis.
Ollie’s Donation Story
Read on to hear more about Ollie’s motivations behind blood donation and what he would say to others - particularly men - to encourage them to give blood.
Donating in Lily’s dad’s memory
We’d encourage you to read Lily’s story and inspiring blood donations behind regular blood donation.
Georgia encourages everyone who can donate to do so
After her close friend needed multiple blood transfusions following the birth of her second child, Georgia was reminded why donating blood is so important. Read on to learn more about Georgia’s experiences of giving blood, and why she would encourage everyone who is able to donate to do so.
Jodie’s story
Jodie shares her experience of requiring multiple blood, platelet and plasma transfusions following the birth of her second child. Read on to find out why Jodie and her family are so grateful to everyone who donates blood.
Will reinforces the importance of donating
In this article we are shining a light on regular blood donor Will, who works in the COVID-19 intensive treatment unit (ITU) at one of the largest hospitals in London. Read on to find out why he donates blood, and how his job reinforces the importance of blood donation for him.
Neil’s rare blood type
We recently spoke with new blood donor, Neil Standring, about his motivations behind donating, how he found out that he has a rare blood type (of which only 2% of donors in England have!), and why he would encourage everyone who can donate to do so.
Matt’s first donation
Our Volunteer Coordinator, Matt, who has been leading the Dundee University Bloody Brilliant Sports Union challenge recently donated blood for the first time. Read on to find out more about his experience!
Elen’s story
Blood donations can be used for a number of reasons to save or improve the lives of people in need. We spoke to Elen who has received many blood donations to find out about her experience and how this helped her.
Sasha’s plasma donation
Read Sasha’s story to learn more about why plasma donations are so important, her experience of donating and what she would say to those who are worried about blood donation.
Phil overcomes his fears
Phil reflects on his first ever donation experience, how he got past his fear of needles and how finding out that he was a universal donor encouraged him to donate regularly.
Donating during COVID-19
Read Hayley’s story to learn more about her donation experience, what donation centres have done to ensure everyone feels safe in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and what she would say to others to encourage them to donate.