Giving Blood

This week we have a guest blog from Mrs. Mann, one of our Nursery teachers. Reading this blog brought back memories for me from when I started to give blood as a student at university back in the day as an 18 year old when I really did not appreciate the full impact of what it meant to give blood. Unfortunately, I am now no longer able to give blood and am proud to hear of the efforts of so many members of our community. Thank you, Mrs. Mann, for your reflection and inspiration.

Giving Blood

During the summer break I attended a blood donation session. This is something I try to do every three months, although it is not always possible for a variety of reasons. From a very early age I remember my parents going into a room with lots of people and nurses (at this time children could wait in the waiting room quietly). After a while they would come out with a white plaster on their arm, a sticker and a chocolate bar. As I got older I began to ask more questions about what was happening. I remember being told that the nurses were taking some blood out to give to people who needed it. 

Our bodies are incredible things - we can give our healthy blood (which is thoroughly tested) to others and our own bodies efficiently recover. This blew my mind as a child and was something I was keen to do when I was old enough. Having joined the St. John’s Ambulance from the age of 6 until 20, I had seen first hand how a simple accident could result in an emergency trip to the hospital and the potential need for that patient to require ‘someone else's blood’. 

My attendance to give blood this summer was not just any, it was my 50th. I feel incredibly proud that by giving blood on 50 separate occasions I have potentially helped to save and improve the lives of 100 patients. Life is precious and we never know when we may need someone's donation.

The process has changed greatly over the years: now, you have to book your session in advance (which reduces your wait time) and no children are allowed. The sugary treats at the end are still very much available and appreciated! 

Giving blood is not completely pain free but honestly it really does not hurt that much. The nurses are wonderful and they take good care of you from testing your iron levels (which I am generally more anxious about), making you comfortable during the donation and making sure you are ready to go on your way. 

If you can, please, please ‘do something amazing and give blood’. Every single donation is a great achievement. We never know when family, friends or even ourselves may need it.

You can check if you are able to here: https://www.blood.co.uk/.

‘Let’s save lives together’.

Mrs. Mann