Comedian Hal Cruttenden shows his support for plasma donation  

Comedian Hal Cruttenden has shown his support for our summer plasma pool campaign by donating at Stratford plasma donor centre in London.

As well as donating, Hal is also encouraging people to come forward and donate plasma this summer too. 

He said, "Good verging on smug – that's how it feels to donate plasma. 

"I am someone who actively hates needles but the staff are lovely, it really is so easy, and you get free biscuits." 

"It’s a safe and easy process and you’re doing something that is really important." 

Hal meets a plasma recipient

Hal met Charlotte Laycock, 32, an event manager from Wimbledon, who needed medicine made from plasma to treat a rare condition. 

 Hal said, "I knew plasma donation saves lives but to meet Charlotte, and hear the difference it made to her life, was incredibly humbling and inspiring. It made me want go right back and donate more."  

 Charlotte was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis in January 2021. Her immune system attacked the connections between her muscles and her nerve system.  

She suffered muscle weakness, lost the ability to speak, could not swallow, and if her condition went untreated in the long term, she could have lost the ability to walk.  

 Charlotte said, "It means so much to me that people like Hal can now donate plasma. If you can donate, please do – it saves lives."

How plasma is used

Donated plasma will be made into antibody medicines known as immunoglobulins, which are used to save the lives of people with immune disorders. 

Around 17,000 people a year receive these medicines. Many recipients are clinically vulnerable people who have been shielding during the pandemic.  

 Find out more about what plasma is and who it helps