Matt’s Donation Story
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!
When you first gave blood, what were you most worried about? How did you get past this?
“As part of the Bloody Brilliant Sports Union Challenge, I signed up to donate with the Boat Club. Having missed a number of opportunities to donate in the past, I was really excited to finally make my first ever donation. With the pre-existing restrictions on donations from MSM, I was somewhat nervous about the process but that disappeared the moment that I stepped into the donation hall, as I was warmly welcomed by the incredible staff!”
What is the best part of giving blood, and what makes you want to continue to donate regularly?
"Without a doubt, it has to be the nurses / staff’s chat! It made the whole process fly in - I could hardly believe it’d been 15 minutes already by the time I got to claim my orange juice and Tunnocks treat."
What is the best piece of advice someone has given you about blood donation?
"No strenuous exercise after donating - you can’t really ask for a better excuse to have a day off training can you?"
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, what measures have the donation centres put in place to make you feel safe?
"In Dundee, the service was forced to move out of its normal hub of operations, in the Ninewells Hospital, due to the continued restrictions of the coronavirus. In moving to the Marryat Hall within the town centre, it was able to take over one of the stage rooms in order to appropriately space out staff and donors - so you get peace of mind AND get to see the venue in a completely different light!"