A DEDICATED group of donors has set up a new community group to help support blood plasma donation in Reading.
Employees from Microsoft has established a group among colleagues to help increase the impact of blood plasma donations in corporate networks.
The group has donated at the Plasma Donation Centre in Reading, contributing to the manufacture of life-saving medicines to treat more than 50 diseases.
They are also hoping to raise awareness of donation among businesses.
One of the organisers, Nicole Gujer, explained that they themselves were the recipient of life-saving blood transfusions and wanted to support the cause.
“As a premature baby born at 28 weeks and weighing 1.1kg, I owe my life to two lifesaving blood transfusions.
“Despite being unable to donate myself, I wanted to bring together a group of my colleagues to help make impact on this important cause.”
Among those hoping to donate is Owen Sturrock, who has already donated blood 18 times and hopes to begin donating plasma too.
He explained: “I’ve been a blood donor for six years, inspired by my grandparents’ long-term commitment and my discovery of the impact of different blood types.
“Knowing that my blood can be used to help newborn babies has been incredibly motivating. I am looking forward to seeing more of my colleagues donating too.”
Aisha Rehman, plasma engagement manager for NHS Blood and Transplant, says: “It is fantastic to see the team from Microsoft coming together and adding to the number of people from the local area who are donating plasma.
“Reading has one of only three dedicated plasma donor centres in the country, alongside Birmingham and Twickenham, so we play a really crucial role in the creation of these life-saving medicines, which for many could be the only potential treatment.
“We urge other companies in Reading to consider whether they can support our cause, by sharing information or supporting colleagues who want to come forward and donate.”
More information about donating blood plasma is available via: blood.co.uk/plasma
