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 veteran donor Alan Ellwood, who reflects on four decades of saving lives.

Striding back into the donor chair

Scouting for Girls frontman Roy Stride talks about his return to blood donation

Judi Love

Why can’t I get an appointment?

Comedian Judi Love offers a few tips on how to find an appointment to donate

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A mother's story

Blood donations helped Marilyn's daughter Alice live life to the full during her leukaemia treatment

Organ donation mythbusting

It’s vital that everyone has correct and accurate information about donating their organs

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Special blood for babies

Here's why some donors are sharing pictures of blood bags labelled with 'NEO'

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Everyday He-Ro-es

Meet the everyday he-Ro donors with the all-important subtype that's in short supply

Other stories

Changes to help bring in Ro Organ donation opt-out Robert Ambrose: a donor remembered A brave new start B Positive ‘Rise Up’ and sing again…

Get in touch

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

Previous issues

Missed an issue of The Donor? Catch up with past editions here