Just found out where my most recent blood donation went

[Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g]

I love getting that text. This time I also got an email with a link to Google maps so I could see the journey my blood went on. It went to Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford, via the processing plant in Colindale. If I hadn't already booked my next appointment this would have spurred me on to do it, so (for me, anyway) this is a really effective bit of marketing. Anyone else, or am I just a weirdo?

Those of you that give blood. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. My husband recieved blood and plasma when he had a bone marrow transplant.
Angels walk among us. Xxxx

My DH is a regular donater
I cannot donate .
I prod my DS into donating , his last text said it was used for (IIRC) 6 neonates . I tell him mens' blood (he's an O+) is used a lot for neonates
He gets a drink and a biscuit for his efforts - he knows how important blood donation is as I am a recipient

That’s so lovely! There is something extra precious about knowing he saved so many new born babies.

I donated blood for plasma before I had children, but they don’t take plasma after women have had children. As only about 1% of the population have my blood type they have basically said my blood isn’t useful any more. A shame, as it gives you are warm feeling inside knowing that you have helped someone.

I love it too. I'm in Hampshire, my blood heads to either London or Birmingham. My blood has quite an exciting life compared to me.

I used to donate for years, but I'm banned now after receiving a lifesaving transfusion five years ago.

So, huge thanks to all that can and do.

I love this too. I have O neg neonatal blood so get lots of requests, and give as often as I can. It really makes you feel part of the process.

It was terrible, 28 days of heavy bleeding and being fobbed off. Her iron went from normal to transfusion level within 7 days. It only stopped after 2 lots of medication. Never found out why but she’s not been healthy since, so many vitamins / iron low. She looks paler than me now and she’s mixed race asian / white. I’m sick of fighting the doctors for a referral somewhere. They actually tried referring her to the sleep clinic the other week, they said no definitely not sleep related. She’s 16 now and 4yrs of low energy etc. Clearly something is wrong. She’s on the pill now and only 2 days break so not due to periods. Poor kid

Thank you to all who donate. My very premature DS is here today thanks to one of you. I can’t tell you the difference it made to him, he was struggling to recover from a severe infection at what would have been 32 weeks gestation (he was born at 28 weeks). The blood transfusion literally worked immediately and he started crying for food rather than lying there struggling to breath. It was like a miracle. I now give blood religiously to try and repay my dues on his behalf.

Sadly age and a previous cancer mean I can't donate. I had three pints of blood are chemotherapy and it made such a difference to me, I'd have liked to repaid my debt. A big thank you to all of you who give, it makes a huge difference to a strangers life

I used to donate blood many years ago, then stopped when I had my DC's. My dad had a lifesaving transfusion a few years ago (thank you wonderful donators) so I restarted my donations. I can't always donate due to my iron levels (despite taking iron supplements in the run up to a donation) but I LOVE the text messages. Such a wonderful idea and really motivating to continue with donations.

Is this a new thing? Sadly, I cannot give bood any more due to cancer, but thank you to those of you who do!

I have a life limiting condition, which (and I'm not complaining) can make me feel pretty lousy. I'd seen a GP three times over a couple of months saying I felt much more tired than usual, getting out of breath and my arms and legs were aching. The biggest hint should have been when I said I felt like I was going a bit insane, really forgetful and barely even able to form a sentence.
They called after the routine test saying they thought the result was spurious but to go straight to hospital just to be certain...I didn't leave for a week.

I really loved giving blood. We used to do it as a group (co workers). I like to think it made us feel extra close as a friendship group too. But I can't donate anymore because I developed breast cancer in 2010, and had 2 operations, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. If I could donate again, I would. But I'm definitely not strong enough anymore, as the chemo and radio knocked my body for six. But I'm really proud to have donated in the past, especially as I have O neg blood. Thankyou to everyone who has donated, and who still donates! ❤️

I used to donate regularly until I had my children. Apparently my AB+ blood has harmful antibodies that were produced during my pregnancies, which could cause problems for the recipient. However if they ever need any of my blood they said they will call me personally!

No you’re not a weirdo, I love it too!

I love the texts. My last donation went to Kings Lynn.

@Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g I’ve been turned away because of the too low to donate but fine for everyday life iron levels too. Last time it was so low I can’t donate for a year. I hate taking iron because it bungs me up but this forced me to. Just had done blood tests and it Was all AOK.

This is wonderful. I am donating this afternoon after a 6 year gap due to living abroad and personal circumstances. I hope I get a text too, although if not I will be thankful for whoever gets it.

I've never donated....but as a result of this thread ivd booked in an appointment-Tomorrow!

I am O-neg

This is my local hospital 😊 thank you!

I managed to donate 78 units of my O Rh Negative before finding out they no longer wanted me, but only after I queried why I never got any of these text messages! Turned out I have antibodies that while not detrimental to me they could cause problems to a very ill recipient.

Very glad to hear it! I was fully expecting to be turned away again, so was relieved.

I received blood after a postnatal haemorrhage and I am extremely grateful. DH now donates in my stead. Thank you to all of you who give blood.

The universal donor. They'll love you.

Love this thread - it's just reminded me to book another appointment.

My blood is nothing rare or special (O+) but hopefully that means I can help as many as possible.

New Years Eve blood donation booked - I'm ready 💪