Blood donors urged to "Give Before you Go" this summer

29 May 2012

Mum of baby with 2% chance of survival in blood donor plea - "Give Before You Go". The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) aims to build blood supplies in advance of a very busy summer.

When baby Alex was just 24 weeks in his mother's womb, his parents were told that he had only a 2% chance of survival. His Mum, Katrina, caught parvovirus and this led to her baby developing the rare condition of Hydrops. As Alex's organs began to shut down, Katrina developed Mirror Syndrome, which meant her organs shut down simultaneously. Alex's life was saved by three intra-uterine transfusions and now Mum and baby are fully recovered.

Katrina said: "Alex's Dad, Daryll, and I know how lucky we are to have our wee miracle. He was delivered to us safely at 36 weeks and the life saving transfusions that he received was only thanks to blood donors. We'd urge everybody to do what they can to support Blood Donor Week because one donation can save a life like Alex's."

Blood Donor Week 2012 (May 28th - June 3rd) will be marked this year by a TV and social media campaign urging donors to be aware of their blood group. Moira Carter, SNBTS says, "Once a donor comes along for the first time, we know their blood group, so we can contact them when we need to. This will be particularly important when supplies of a specific blood group are lower than we'd like, which could occur during the summer period. This summer will be particularly challenging for the Blood Service, with major events such as the Diamond Jubilee, Olympics and Euro 2012 competing for time to give blood."

Alex received O Negative blood. Intra-uterine transfusions always need O negative blood to ensure compatibility with the baby's blood group. Moira Carter continues: "Even when blood supplies are adequate, unpredictable shortages in specific blood groups can occur.  During the recent May bank holidays we experienced a sudden drop in O positive blood supplies. We had to make two thousand telephone calls, utilise our social media channels and write three thousand letters asking donors to come forward and replenish supplies of this blood group."

SNBTS Director Mary Morgan says: "There can be a 20% reduction in blood donations every summer. This year our message to everyone, whether travelling abroad on holiday or enjoying the celebrations here at home, is "Give BeforeYou Go". There are eight different blood groups, and we want people to think - am I the 'type' to save a life?'