Platelet donation: saving lives like Noah’s

Donor centres across the country each need 2,000 new platelet donors in 2026.

Unlike whole blood, platelet donations are made exclusively at donor centres. With nearly 70% of platelets being used to help people with cancer, it's of vital importance that enough new donors come forward this year.

Joining the call for more donors is Alexandra, whose 5-year-old son Noah has been on the receiving end of lifesaving platelet transfusions in his treatment for cancer.

Noah was diagnosed with stage four rhabdomyosarcoma, a soft tissue cancer, two years ago and was treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. These treatments lower patients' platelet counts – the number of platelet cells in the blood – increasing the risk of bruising and bleeding. Transfusions are crucial.

Noah was given multiple transfusions before receiving the treatments that have drastically improved his condition. He now needs only maintenance chemotherapy and is back at school. Once again, Noah can enjoy his favourite things: being outside and playing in water.

"Whether it was red blood cells, plasma, or platelets, transfusions were crucial to get Noah through his treatment plan," says Alexandra. "We lost count of how many times."

"He never missed any of his sessions and fought through the pain each time.

"Noah is not cured, but he is defying the odds. We sincerely believe this was only possible because Noah had the transfusions."

Platelets like those given to Noah last just 7 days after they've been donated, so we rely on people to donate regularly throughout the year, every year.

While hospital demand for platelets grows, we also need new donors to replace those who can no longer give. That's why each of our 25 donor centres is asking for 2,000 new donors to come forward this year.

There is a particular need for donors with A negative, AB negative and A positive blood types.

"If blood and platelets weren't available for Noah he would not be here today," says Alexandra.

To find out more about platelet donation, visit the platelets website.