Crash victim saved by blood transfusions “celebrates being alive” by walking 80km and calling on more people to donate
A father from Crawley who suffered a serious motorbike accident 2 years ago has walked a total of 80km on the 2 anniversaries alongside blood donors to "celebrate the fact that I'm alive" and show first hand how giving blood saves lives.
Wiktor Kowalski, 44, described having been given a "second chance at life" after surviving the crash in October 2023. He has made his goal to help others just as blood donors helped him, and has inspired friends and family to donate 20 units of blood so far.
Wiktor was riding home from work in October 2023 when he was involved in a motorbike accident just metres from his house. He was rushed to the Royal Sussex County Hospital and doctors gave him O negative blood to save his life.
Wiktor said:
"I was in and out of consciousness, but I remember they just kept coming with the blood. Probably 6 units initially – just to get me through the first night - and after that I probably had 6 more during the surgeries I had.
"At the start, no-one wanted to tell my daughter what had happened to me, because no one knew if I was going to survive."
Wiktor received O negative as this is the 'universal blood type' which can be given to anyone in emergencies before their blood type is known. Currently the NHS is in urgent need of more O negative donors, whose blood can be used in these critical situations and can even be administered at the scene by first responders.
The NHS is also in urgent need of more B negative donors. Only 2% of people in the UK are B negative, meaning that stocks of this blood type are more vulnerable to fluctuations. More donors with Ro blood - a subtype most common among people of Black heritage – are also needed to help treat patients with sickle cell.
Wiktor's story
Wiktor made it through a gruelling recovery period, including 6 surgeries which required a further 6 units of blood. As a former blood donor himself, in hospital Wiktor reflected on the vital role that donors played in his recovery.
"I quickly realised that the amazing people who operated on me had saved my life, but without the blood they wouldn't have been able to help me.
"The blood was the single thing that actually saved my life. I immediately thought about it because in the past I donated blood myself, so for me it was natural to want to give it back," he said.
He was unable to donate again as he had received a transfusion, but Wiktor made it his goal to encourage others to give blood and pledged to drive friends to their appointments.
After the accident, Wiktor surprised doctors with how quickly he regained his mobility and soon began walking every day to aid in his recovery – first 3 kilometres, then 4, then 5.
He said: "I was trying to walk further and further. When we got to a month before the anniversary of the accident, I said to my friends, I’m going to celebrate the fact that I’m alive. I would like to do 50,000 steps.
"They paused for a second and said, woah, is that possible? I said, I don’t know but I’m definitely going to try."
On the first anniversary of the accident, Wiktor completed a 45km (50,000 step) walk from Crawley to Dormansland and back to raise awareness of blood donation along with 14 friends, 8 of whom had been inspired to give blood. Last month, he walked 35km to mark the second anniversary – a remarkable feat considering the extent of his injuries just two years prior – alongside 24 others, including 8 new blood donors.
Wiktor described the people around him as "fantastic", and said that "without them, all of this would have remained just a dream".
However, he isn’t finished yet and is planning for a third walk next year. He said: "I'm trying to encourage all the people I know to encourage their friends to come forward and give blood.
"Before the accident, someone felt like they wanted to donate blood and I’m here because of that person who decided to go for it. One person can make a difference as a unit can save up to 3 people, so it's definitely worth it."
Area Manager for Surrey and Sussex Rob Schofield said:
"It is wonderful to see that Wiktor has inspired others to give blood, and we are thankful for his incredible support.
"Wiktor’s story shows just how important it is to have O negative blood available. Not only is this crucial blood type used for victims of road accidents, but it can also be needed during childbirth and other emergencies. O negative blood is carried by first responders so it can be quickly given at the scene before a patient reaches hospital.
"The need for blood never stops and we urge everyone to sign up and donate. Whether you are an existing or first-time donor, please book an appointment to donate now and help the NHS over the critical winter period and beyond."
More details on Wiktor's journey and campaign can be found on Facebook.
How you can help
Blood donation sessions held at community venues across Sussex, as well as at the Brighton Blood Donor Centre which is open 7 days a week. To find out more about giving blood or to book an appointment visit our website or call 0300 123 23 23.