The Donor

News and information for blood donors

With almost 5,000 donations needed every day, there’s never a shortage of remarkable stories emerging from the world of giving blood – be they from the research lab, the hospital bed, or the donor chair.

The Donor brings those stories to the fore: stories that may inspire you or make you laugh or cry, but should, more than anything, help you to feel proud of the amazing, compassionate, and generous thing you’re doing every time you donate.

Humans of Blood Donation

We receive so many wonderful and heart-warming stories from blood donors that we decided to turn them into a regular feature – Humans of Blood Donation.

Our latest contributor is Mary Wilson Matthews, whose journey has taken her from one side of blood donation to the other.

Is this the longest-serving donor?

Veteran donor Fred Brailey first gave blood in 1956. How far back does your donation history go?

Hugh's platelet story

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall talks platelets and gives us a recipe for a great pre-donation boost

The Mayor of Brent donates

Councillor Ernest Ezeajughi isn't just the Mayor of Brent – he's also a committed blood donor

Celebrating 25 years of Joely Bear

Congratulations were in order as the Joely Bear Appeal marked a milestone anniversary

The power of platelets

Dexter Kidd says thank you to platelet donors for helping to save his young life

The Organ Donation Register at 25

Since being set up in 1994, the register has been responsible for helping to save up to 20,000 lives

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