NHS Blood Donation

02/03/2026

Vee recently made her 1st blood donation. Thank you Vee - and welcome to the amazing lifesaving club.

After her donation she said: "Today’s glow is sponsored by bravery, lots of snacks, and one tiny needle.

"I always thought blood donation was a big heroic thing. Turns out it’s actually a small act of kindness anyone can do, and that’s what makes it powerful.

"Around 210 donations a day are needed in England just for sickle cell patients, and matched blood often comes from donors of similar heritage.

"So do something amazing today by signing up to give blood."

01/03/2026

Happy St David’s Day! 🏴

It seems David is leading the way - it’s officially the most popular name among our male blood donors!

We’ve rounded up the top male and female donor names… is yours one of them?

Are you one of our Davids? We’d love to hear from you. 👇

28/02/2026

If there’s one word to describe little Bella Hessey, it’s a FIGHTER! 💪

She has gone from fighting for her life, to now fighting on the jiu-jitsu mat. 🥋

As a baby, Bella developed Kawasaki disease, a rare condition that caused her eyes to turn red, a fever, and a whole-body rash.

Bella needed immunoglobulin medicine made from plasma to save her life.

"The immunoglobulin's effect was instant. Straight away, her colour came back to normal," recalls mum Abigail.

Now 6, Bella, from Oxfordshire, is thriving.

She recently progressed to a solid grey belt in jiu-jitsu – proof of just how far she's come since those frightening early days.

Abigail has seen through online support groups how families around the world struggle to access immunoglobulin because it's so expensive and in high demand.

“We definitely need a bigger supply here, especially because treatment for Kawasaki disease is time-restricted,” she says.

“You need it to be there. Delays can impact someone's health massively."

Plasma and blood donors can help provide immunoglobulin to people with rare conditions like Kawasaki disease, as well as immune deficiencies and neurological disorders.

27/02/2026

Every single day, 5,000 blood donations are needed to treat patients across the country.

Blood is essential in emergencies, for cancer treatment, during surgery, and for people living with blood disorders.

Day in and day out, our amazing donors step forward to help save the life of someone they may never meet.

Your blood can give hope again and again and again. Thank you to all our amazing donors. ❤️

26/02/2026

24/02/2026

Emma is one of our amazing B negative donors. She recently made her 47th donation which has been labelled with a blue NEO tag which means its suitable for newborn babies.

Did you know? B negative blood is one of the rarest blood types, which just 2% of our donors share, and it’s currently in high demand.🩸

23/02/2026

🏳️‍🌈 This LGBTQ+ History Month, we’re celebrating our LGBTQ+ blood donors.

Meet Trojan - blood donor and co‑founder of Emancipated Run Crew.

He began donating after being inspired by a sickle cell advocate in his running group, a moment that highlighted the urgent need for more donors. He explained: “Donating felt like a powerful statement, my body, identity and presence are valued and needed.”

Trojan later discovered he has the rare Ro blood subtype, which is especially vital for people living with sickle cell and is commonly found in donors with Black heritage. He added: “Knowing my blood can help people who share my heritage makes it even more meaningful.”

When asked what he’d say to others in the LGBTQ+ community considering donating, he shared: “If you’re eligible and able, your donation truly matters. It’s a meaningful act of solidarity. For years, people in the LGBTQ+ community, particularly gay and bisexual men, weren't able to donate. So for me blood donation represents inclusion and dignity. "

For Trojan, sharing stories like his is essential, he believes: "Representation builds trust, and trust saves lives.” 🩸

21/02/2026

It's International Mother Language Day 🌍

Today we’re celebrating the beauty of linguistic diversity by inviting our donor carers to thank our selfless donors in their own mother languages.

Your generosity makes it possible for us to provide life‑saving blood to people who depend on it every day. One donation can help save up to three lives, and we’re deeply grateful for every act of kindness that makes this possible.♥️

20/02/2026

Paula gives a lesson in perseverance. 💪

Last time she tried to donate plasma, she was unable to because of low haemoglobin levels.

Undeterred, she came back again – travelling from Preston to Birmingham – to donate her ‘liquid gold’ for the first time. 💉💙

Paula, who is AB positive, says: “Donating is really important. Anything you can do to help the NHS and its patients is worthwhile.

“You just never know when you or any of your family may need to receive a blood product.”

18/02/2026

So lovely to see this idea from Bristol Donor Centre!

They’ve invited local primary schools to send in artwork to help brighten up the donor centre and make the space even more welcoming for donors. 🎨

The first fantastic pictures have come from Stoke Park Primary School, where Year 6 pupils created beautiful heart artwork while learning about the circulatory system - such a perfect fit. ❤️

They’re also hoping it will inspire parents to come in to donate and enjoy the artwork too.

What would you like to see on the walls of your local donor centre?

17/02/2026

One family. Three generations. 204 blood donations 🩸

Meet the Fellowes family. They've been donating blood since 1985.

Julian (62, O+) – 119 donations, inspires the whole family.

David (38, O+ with the Ro subtype) – 45 donations, helping patients with sickle cell disease and following his father’s footsteps.

Amy (35, O+) – 37 donations, a midwife who sees the life-saving impact firsthand.

Oliver (17, A+) – 3 donations and counting, excited to continue the family tradition.

Together, they prove that giving back is in their blood. 💪

15/02/2026

Spring half-term plans sorted? Now add one more thing! ✅

The school break is as good a time as any to book your next appointment. If you can donate, you'll help us keep blood stocks healthy over the holidays.

Plus, time in a comfy donation chair might be the only bit of peace and quiet some parents get this week! 🤣