A teacher from Sherborne has become an advocate for blood donation after experiencing firsthand the life-changing impact of receiving a medicine crafted from the plasma in blood donations. This plasma, which constitutes 55% of our blood, contains antibodies crucial for strengthening the immune system, making it invaluable for individuals with immune deficiencies and other life-limiting illnesses.
For over 25 years, UK blood donor plasma was deemed unsuitable for medicinal use due to safety concerns related to Variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease. However, recent advancements have made it possible for this plasma to be processed into vital medicines. This development has alleviated the previous reliance on imported medicines, with the first locally produced treatments reaching patients in March.
A standard blood donation can supply up to 270 milliliters of plasma, a significant portion of which can now be utilized for creating these life-improving medicines. This is particularly crucial for the 17,000 individuals in England who depend on immunoglobulin annually, as well as for those relying on albumin, another essential plasma medicine used in various medical scenarios.
READ MORE: Celebrating 250 years of Hatchers, a thriving Somerset department store
Oliver Wake, a 36-year-old teacher from Sherborne, expressed gratitude for the local production of these life-saving medicines, as he himself relies on immunoglobulin to manage a primary immunodeficiency. Having experienced the debilitating effects of his condition, which were only diagnosed in 2019 despite years of recurring pneumonia, Oliver emphasizes the critical impact of these medicines on his life and the lives of thousands of others.
As someone who was initially apprehensive and daunted by the diagnosis, Oliver now advocates for the vital role of blood donors and the impact their donations have on individuals with life-limiting illnesses. He emphasizes the transformative effect of receiving plasma-based medicines, particularly during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, when individuals with weak immune systems were at heightened risk.
Oliver’s journey reflects the crucial role of blood donations in providing life-saving medicines to those in need. This narrative underscores the significance of increasing blood donors to ensure the continued availability of these vital treatments.
Daniel Cooper, NHSBT Assistant Director for Blood Donation Operations, highlights the need for more blood donors to support the production of these crucial medicines, emphasizing the impact of each donation in saving lives in innovative ways.