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.

Latest stories

Functions of blood: transport around the body

One of the key functions of blood is transport.

"Receiving blood literally saved Cianna's life"

Cianna, 13, has sickle cell and she has so far needed three blood transfusions. Her mum, Haley, shares her daughter’s story.

“Thank you for being the reason that my children still have their mum”

Mum, Lucy, required a life-saving blood transfusion after complications during an emergency c-section.

Features

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 Andy who has donated his 51st pint and looks forward to donating his NEO blood many more times.

Down Memory Lane

For some donors, the habit of saving lives is one that stretches way back into the past – in some cases, as far as the 1950s.

In our new feature, Down Memory Lane, these lifesavers take us back through the decades to the days their younger selves started giving blood.

Ask the experts

Hear from the best and brightest from across the organisation on the latest in the world of blood donation.

The journey of blood

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of blood donation? We will take you on a journey of blood and show you what happens before, during and after you donate.

Get in touch

Share your news, views and interesting or unusual donor stories by emailing thedonor@nhsbt.nhs.uk

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