Teenager from Bristol runs 125 km in 25 days to recruit new blood and plasma donors

Today, Monday 7 July, 13 year old George from Bristol has completed his last 5km run, completing a remarkable 25 day challenge to shine a light on the importance of plasma and blood donation.

George, who lives with Primary Immunodeficiency, designed the challenge to recruit at least 25 new donors of plasma or blood in 25 days and committed himself to running 5km every day of the challenge.

Since starting his challenge on Friday, 13 June, which coincided with National Blood Week, George ran a total of 125 km and has signed up a total of 32 new donors, all of whom have now registered and booked their appointments to give blood or plasma.

George's story

George and his younger brother, Artie, have both been diagnosed with Primary Immunodeficiency. This rare condition compromises their immune systems, which means that to stay fit and well, they both require regular plasma-based infusion treatments at the hospital, in a form of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).

George received the diagnosis in January 2024 but prior to this was diagnosed with bronchiectasis (permanent lung damage) in 2017 when he was put under the care of the respiratory team.

The treatments that George and Artie receive are only possible thanks to blood and plasma donors as the medicines are manufactured from human plasma.

Despite George's condition, he leads a fulfilled active lifestyle. He is a passionate runner, loves to play football (and is a proud Arsenal supporter) and is a big cricket enthusiast.

Through George’s determination and drive to raise awareness of plasma and sign up more donors, the 25 day running challenge was born.

To ensure that the challenge was safe for Georges to undertake, it was carefully planned between the infusion that he typically receives around once every month. This was done with the help of his mother, Michelle, and his father, Tommy.

Throughout the challenge, proud brother Artie, and their younger sister Lilian, cheered on George from the sidelines.

George completed his final run at Bristol Children’s Hospital where he and his brother receive ongoing care for their condition, including the monthly plasma-derived infusions that are crucial to their wellbeing.

How plasma is used

Plasma collected in England is used to produce lifesaving medicines and in March 2025, the first NHS patients in a generation received these medicines made from the plasma of UK donors. These life-saving medicines are vital for patients, like George and Artie, with a wide range of conditions,

Donated plasma can be made into immunoglobulin and albumin. In England around 17,000 people with life limiting illnesses such as immune deficiencies rely on immunoglobulin to save or improve their lives each year. Thousands of patients also rely on albumin, which is used in childbirth, trauma and to treat liver conditions.

All the plasma collected is combined during the manufacturing process to be made into medicines or fresh frozen plasma, so it takes many people to help each patient.

Blood and plasma donors playing a crucial role in saving and improving lives of thousands of patients across England as well as helping NHS to reduce its reliance on imports of plasma medicines from other countries.

The NHS estimates that by the end of 2025, up to 23% of the country's demand for immunoglobulin and 80% of albumin will be met through UK plasma collection, reducing the need for imports.

George said:

"I'm really tired but so happy that I've finished my challenge. I'm so grateful for all the support that I've had from people who have donated blood or plasma."

Statements

Statement from Andrew Broderick

Andrew Broderick, Chief Nurse for Clinical Services and Plasma at NHS Blood and Transplant, said:

"I am grateful to George for taking on this mammoth of a task to raise awareness of plasma and working hard to recruit new donors. It is wonderful to see how many people have been inspired to sign up and donate.

"It is incredible to see George being able to take part in such a physically demanding challenge, which has been made possible by lifesaving plasma infusions he regularly receives. His unwavering determination and appetite for life is a true inspiration to us all.

"I encourage donors of plasma and blood to continue to donate to ensure these blood products are there when patients like George need it. We always need more donors to come forward and help us meet the needs of patients. Please book an appointment today to help us save and improve even more lives."

Statement from Jolanta Bernatoniene

Jolanta Bernatoniene, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust paediatric immunology consultant, said:

"George and Artie have a very rare genetic condition called Moesin-associated primary immune deficiency, there's only about 20 cases described worldwide.

"We are giving them immunoglobulin replacement therapy to help strengthen their immune system. This medication is only possible because of blood and plasma donations, which is why we have been so impressed by George's incredible challenge.

"I think it is fair to say this treatment has transformed George and Artie’s lives which is why George is able to complete all these runs.

"We were thrilled to meet him this afternoon when he finished his 25th run and to celebrate him getting so many people to start donating. He has really made a difference."

How you can help

Plasma is separated out from all blood donations, meaning that donors of whole blood are also donating plasma in smaller quantities. However, there are also 3 dedicated plasma donor centres (Birmingham, Reading and Twickenham) where donors can specifically give plasma.

To help save more lives and ensure treatment for others like George and Artie, please sign up as a blood or plasma donor through our website, by downloading the NHS GiveBlood app or calling 0300 123 23 23.