Patients get to say a special thank you

On World Blood Donor Day, three remarkable individuals visited Glasgow Donor Centre to say a heartfelt thank you to Scotland’s blood, platelet, and plasma donors.

Paolo Lizzeri, Hannah Russell and Tommy Patrick handed out chocolates and thank-you cards to donors, putting a face to the impact of every donation.

Paolo was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma at just 25 and has faced cancer three times. Each time, he received lifesaving red blood cells and platelets.

He said, 'This visit lets us go right back to the beginning, to meet the people who make those donations.

'I just want to say thank you. Without donors, I would be dead at this point.'

Hannah experienced a severe haemolytic crisis due to chronic hereditary anaemia. She needed four emergency transfusions in just 24 hours—and continues to rely on regular donations to stay well.

She said., 'It was amazing to meet donors - on a Saturday, on their day off - just popping in to give.

'Seeing the faces of people who make this possible really meant a lot.'

Tommy lives with myelodysplastic syndrome, a rare blood cancer. He receives regular blood and platelet transfusions as part of his treatment. His stepdaughter Claire works at Glasgow Donor Centre, making this visit especially meaningful.

Tommy said: 'It's a very rare condition - one in a million. I got quite emotional talking to donors.

'It's completely selfless. I came here to say thank you. A bag of blood saved me. Now I can see the real person behind it.'

These powerful stories are a reminder that every donation matters. Whether it's blood, platelets, or plasma, your gift can save or improve up to three lives.

• If you'd like to give blood, you can make an appointment to donate online. Alternatively give us a call on 0345 90 90 999 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm). We'd love to see you.