Mina Stoddart-Stones from Bridgwater, Somerset, is recognized as a VIP blood donor due to her extraordinarily rare blood type. At just 26 years old, she is one of only nine donors in the UK with a unique combination of blood antigens, making her donations invaluable to NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT).
Her blood is classified as U negative, N negative, and RO — a rare subtype often found in individuals of Black African or Caribbean descent. Because of this rarity, each time Mina donates, her blood is carefully frozen and can be stored for up to 30 years. This long-term storage allows the NHS to use her blood for patients who require precise matches to avoid life-threatening reactions.
Mina’s donations are critical in treating people with inherited blood disorders such as sickle cell disease, as well as women at risk of fatal pregnancy complications due to blood type incompatibility. Notably, her blood has even been sent as far as Portugal to help those in need.
READ MORE: Stunning Somerset Manor Offers Perfect Bridgerton-Inspired Getaway Near Bath
READ MORE: Bath Woman Marks 100 Years with Remarkable Life Story
NHSBT’s National Frozen Blood Bank in Liverpool stores Mina’s blood alongside around 1,000 units of other rare blood types, prioritizing their preservation. “Meeting Mina feels like meeting royalty,” said Joanne Mathews, manager of the facility. “Every donation is treasured and only given to patients with that exact rare type.”
These rare blood units are used for patients who need regular transfusions or emergency surgeries, especially when conventional blood supplies won’t suffice. Sometimes, her blood is even stored for Mina herself, should she ever require a transfusion.
Mina was initially unaware of her blood’s rarity until NHSBT flagged her donations as ‘VIP’. “It’s nice to know it’s so rare and that it can help people,” she shared. Motivated by personal experiences with illness in her family, Mina sees her blood donations as a way to give back to the NHS during challenging times.
NHSBT continues to appeal for more donors with rare blood types, as demand for RO blood increases by 10-15% every year. While frozen blood requires time-intensive processing, it remains a vital resource for patients in urgent need who cannot receive typical blood types.
Mina encourages everyone to donate, emphasizing how simple and rewarding it is: “It doesn’t take much time out of your day, and you get a biscuit at the end!”