We make a living by What We get, but We make a life by What We give.

Winston Churchill

Special thanks:

Millie FernJohn & Linda KellyLouise KellyGrace KressEmma-Louise GallagherMorgan VaughanRose TuffneyMyrna D’AmbrosioIsolda Mitchell

This book features a collection of interviews detailing personal experiences surrounding blood donation, as well as a look in to how you can prepare to give blood and the centres people can donate through.

Blood donation is an act which has the potential to save lives; it takes little effort and can be the difference between life and death.

Photography sourced through featured donors.

Designed & edited by Michael John Brown

Contact: hello@michaeljohnbrown.co.uk

Printed & bound byRipe Digital Ltd.,Unit 1, Park Lane Industrial Estate, Corsham, Wiltshire, SN13 9LG

© 2013 Michael John Brown

Preparation

Blood Donors

Blood Centres

06

10

52

COntentS

Preparation

06 | Preparation

D

a

ODistraction helps reduce nervousness, so bring an MP3 player, book or a friend along with you to the donation session.

On both the day of donation and the evening before, ensure you drink plenty of fluids. However, it is essential to avoid alcohol as this will considerably affect hydration and delay recovery.

A good nights sleep the evening before is beneficial to well being and recovery.

07 | Preparation

t

n

eTight clothing around the arms restricts blood flow and can cause bruises so wear something loose and comfortable.

Eligibility criteria to donate may vary so know your medical, body piercing and travel history to avoid any delays.

Normal regular meals prior to donating are necessary for maintaining blood sugars and ward off light headedness.

Blood Donors

10 | Blood Donors

I come from Cornwall and have grown up enjoying extreme sports like skateboarding and snowboarding during holidays. I play the drums and have a huge passion for punk music, having played in numerous bands. I really enjoy design, songwriting and video games.

I recently experienced my first time giving blood and did so at St. Edyth’s Church in Sea Mills, Bristol. I chose to do this out of the respect I have for people who are willing to take the time out of their lives to do something for the good of others; a selfless act which could literally, save lives. I had also decided to finally conquer my fear of needles. I grabbed a few of my flatmates, one who is a regular blood donor and one other who was also doing it for the first time, and headed down to the blood centre based in Sea Mills.

Registration was a simple enough task, but unfortunately, they would not allow me to take photographs of the donation. The second part of the process was the finger prick used to ensure that the donor has enough haemoglobin and iron within their blood to allow a safe donation; this had me worried way more than the needle. I won’t lie, that was definitely the least enjoyable part of the experience.

a+miChael JOhn brOWn

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12 | Blood Donors

Following that, I was taken over to a small waiting area before giving blood. After a moment, a woman sat next to me and proceeded to talk about the process and to ask why I was there. Presumably, she had noticed how nervous I was and was trying to make me feel more at ease. I explained about the project I was carrying out and how I had always put off giving blood due to my fear of needles. We exchanged stories, with a few laughs, which certainly helped my nerves. I was then led over to the bed where I would donate. They cleaned the area of my arm where the needle was to be inserted and after a few nervous facial expressions on my behalf, slipped the needle in. To my surprise, I hardly felt it, which is pretty ridiculous if you compare that to the tiny pin prick of the finger, which was certainly felt.

The two friends I was with had gone before me. Louise had already been through the process and was seated, enjoying a biscuit and a drink, whilst Rose was opposite me still going through the process. After a while, Louise decided to stand up and keep Rose company. Before I knew it, Louise had fainted, leaving me to wonder what was going on as my view was now blocked by the crowd of nurses

surrounding her. Fortunately, she was fine and by the time she was up again I was finished and enjoying a selection of snacks, alongside a cold drink, whilst chatting to some people who had just been through the donation process. I was surprised at how talkative everybody was; I felt like I had just become part of a community or had been initiated in to a special club.

After giving blood, I really did feel like I had made a difference. It’s a really great feeling knowing that you have just done something that has the potential to save somebodies life. To anybody considering giving blood or to those who, like me, have a fear of needles, there really is no excuse. I would like to think that if I ever needed a blood transfusion, there would be donors willing to give their blood to save my life. It’s easy, convenient, and saves lives.

13 | Blood Donors

It’s a really great feeling knowing that you have just done something that has the potential to save

somebodies life.

14 | Blood Donors

millie fern

I am a 21 year old student in her third year of university studying Human Biology and Anthropology at Oxford Brookes. I really enjoy horse riding and socialising with my friends when I’m not working for my degree. During the holidays I work as a health care assistant and hope to go to medical school when I graduate to become a doctor.

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b+I first started giving blood in my first year at university after seeing some flyers up for a donor drive at a local school. Since then I have given blood five times but usually go to the large donor centre in Oxford because it’s so convenient and I don’t have to book ahead. I started giving blood because I thought it was something I should do just once, even though I was incredibly scared of needles. Afterwards, I felt really good about myself, so kept going whenever I was eligible. I really hope my blood can be used to save someones life and hopefully if I ever need a blood transfusion I will feel like I’ve earned it.

I would encourage everyone to give blood, even if it’s just once. It makes such a massive difference to patients in need and doesn’t do any lasting damage to the donor. I have also signed up for the bone marrow register and tried to become a platelet donor. Unfortunately, I’m not eligible.

16 | Blood Donors

17 | Blood Donors

i felt really gOOD abOut mySelf, SO kept gOing

Whenever i WaS eligible.

Millie Fern

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O+

19 | Blood Donors

I’m a carpenter by trade, but I work for the NHS in the estates department at the moment. It can be hard work so I really enjoy taking my dog for a walk and skiing when I can get the time off to do it.

The first time I donated was in 1980. They were always calling out for people to donate blood and at the time I was the maintenance carpenter at Tall Point, which was a navel camp. It just happened to be that one day the blood donation vehicle turned up and I decided to just go for it.

Back then it was twice a year that you could give blood, but now it has gone up to about four times for men. I donated for a few years before being transferred to Plymouth and then eventually moved down to Cornwall. I got a job in Treliske Hospital and wondered why they didn’t have a dedicated centre set up there.After a while they decided to set one up, but this only lasted a couple of years due to the inconvenience for doctors working there as they said it disrupted lectures in the post-graduate centre. Both me and my wife now donate locally in our home village of Perranporth.

JOhn kelly

20 | Blood Donors

I just do it so I get some time out, have a bit of a lay down and at the end of it all, get a nice cup of tea and a biscuit! No, at the end of the day, it is really just about helping society by going through a simple exercise. I’ve donated 65 pints over the years and have collected prizes for doing so. It’s not the prizes that make it worth it though, it’s the act of giving that is the reward. I must have donated over 8 gallons to save peoples lives. Blood can’t be produced any other way other than inside our own bodies and for all the hundreds of thousands of operations that are carried out each year, a large number require blood. We are always in need of more blood donors, and I like to think that I’ve encouraged others to give blood too.

Another reason why I think I started was that my father had two occasions where he passed out and was admitted to the hospital being diagnosed with stomach ulcers. He had to have blood transfusions to reintroduce blood in to his system. As I got older I realised why people should start to donate, but the younger people start the better I think. You never know when you are going to need it yourself.

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22 | Blood Donors

I’ve donated 65 pints over the years and have collected prizes for doing so. It’s not

the prizes that make it worth it though, it’s the act of giving that is the reward.

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24 | Blood Donors

25 | Blood Donors

26 | Blood Donors

a-I live in Perranporth, with my husband John, whilst working as a teaching assistant at the local school. I love spending time with the family, as well as dog walks and skiing trips during school holidays.

I started in 1994 because when I was pregnant with my daughter Louise, I had thrombosis and needed to take Warfarin to dilute my blood. Because of this, I needed to be on stand-by for blood transfusions whilst giving birth. My husband John had given blood a lot, so after that experience I thought I should do it too. I thought that there must be loads of woman who go through the same thing as I did, and I knew I could help them. I must be on about 35 donations by now. When donating with my husband, we normally have a race to see if we can beat each other. I used to be faster when my blood pressure was higher.

I always remember that Tony Hancock sketch when he goes in to have his blood taken. They prick his finger and he gets up saying “Well, that’s it then”. It’s quite funny really. Last time I went, they did the finger prick but my blood just didn’t sink. They then had to take blood from both of my arms to fill a pouch.

linDa kelly

27 | Blood Donors

linDa kelly

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31 | Blood Donors

32 | Blood Donors

O+

At the moment I live in Bristol whilst I carry out my degree. Previous to this, I lived with my parents down in Cornwall. Living by the sea got me really interested in surfing, which then led to other sports such as skiing and cycling.

lOuiSe kelly

33 | Blood Donors

As a child, I always remember my mum and dad donating, so I started as soon as I could. I think it was only a couple of weeks after I turned 17. From growing up seeing my parents go through it on a regular basis, I just felt as if it was a normal thing people did. It was only when I grew up that I realised more people are needed to donate. It is a great thing to do.

The second time I gave blood, the blood just stopped half way through and so the nurses had to move the needle a bit to get it to start again. However, most recently I gave blood without having someone there to distract me, so I was quite proud of myself. Saying this, about half an hour later I was talking to my friend giving blood and I looked at the needle in her arm and fainted. One of the nurses had to come over and help me lay on the floor.

I try to encourage people to donate, for example, I have a sticker on my car window. My reasoning is that blood is needed every minute of the day, so the more people that donate, the more blood there is in supply when needed. You save lives. I’m scared of needles, so if I can do it, anyone can. The whole act of giving blood really makes you feel like you have done something important too; it’s a really good feeling!

34 | Blood Donors

b+graCe kreSS

Be positive

35 | Blood Donors

I’m 21 and I’m from Hackney, London, studying Graphic Design in Bristol. Interests include music, dance and art. I also work at the Bristol Hippodrome, giving me the opportunity to enjoy my hobbies whilst at work.

At the moment, I’ve given blood six times and I started donating a few years ago. I wasn’t able to donate for quite a while due to a month long visit to Thailand. I started giving blood because my mum and sister did. I always thought it would be nice to do it too and it doesn’t take much from me; it could save someone’s life. My sister was in a car accident and got given blood, this really made me appreciate what people are doing when they choose to donate. My mum also received blood when she was in labour with me. I like to think of blood donation as a way of giving something back for those times when my family have needed it and for any blood that I may need in the future.

I like the fact you get a biscuit and juice after you’ve given blood. Because I’m small, they didn’t think they would get the full amount of blood from me in the amount of time you’re allowed, but I’d filled a pint before the time was up.

Giving blood is a really easy way to help out and it’s so easy to do; I don’t know why everyone doesn’t do it. It makes you feel like you’ve contributed and I like the idea that such a simple sacrifice can help someone so much. I can’t think of a better way to help.

Be positive.

36 | Blood Donors

I am 32 and live in Newquay; I have done for 17 years. I work for the NHS and also for a company that specialises with people who have autism. I have given blood three times and they have all been in 2012. I started on January 19th.

I had always wanted to give blood as it was something which my dad had always done. This was until he was diagnosed with a brain tumour and was no longer allowed to donate. A friend of mine was chatting to me one day saying he was giving blood in a few days time. My friend knew that I had wanted to give blood and asked if I would like to join him. I agreed, but instantly started to think about whether I would faint!

The day came and it fell on the anniversary of my dad’s death of 15 years. I took this as a sign to go for it. I was so nervous but the blood nurses put me at ease, this was until they asked me what I had done that day. I answered that I had visited my dad’s grave and promptly burst into tears. They took the time to chat to me and reassured me of the wonderful gift I could give in just a few minutes. This gift was to save three lives! The overwhelming feeling of doing a good deed exceeded me, along with the pep talk I was giving myself “Please don’t faint, please don’t faint”.

Before I knew it, I had completed the donation and was sent to the tea table. The tea table is just fabulous! It gives the nurses the chance to keep a beady eye on the donors to ensure no further bleeding or fainting. The table is run by volunteers and gives you a chance to chat to fellow blood buddies. On my first visit to the tea table I had the pleasure

of meeting a lady who was on her 50th donation. I was in ore of this little gentle lady who was a true life saver and since then I have made it my mission to give as much blood as she has.

Before my second donation, I was unfortunately refused for donation due to having chickenpox of all things. I was left with a feeling of enormous disappointment. I have since given blood twice and have now started to time how long my donations take. My record is just under five minutes, which is pretty fast for a female.

After giving blood you have a fantastic excuse to rest, take it easy and not do anything too strenuous for the rest of the day. You have a humbling feeling inside and feel proud to be among such wonderful people who have taken time out of their busy lives to save others. I in no way feel I have yet earned the right to say I’m a fully fledged blood donor, but I will be that lady in years to come sitting at the tea table after giving my 50th donation.

I have recently become a volunteer tea lady to give something back to the people who, in my eyes, are just incredible. I feel that everyone should try and give blood at least once as it’s not scary, it doesn’t hurt and you get to feel a huge sense of pride afterwards. I often speak to people about giving blood and recommend it as more and more people are saddened with news they have cancer or know someone who has. Cancer patients are more likely to require a blood donation; my dad being among them. I have recently discovered at my last donation that a pint of blood can save up to four lives.

37 | Blood Donors

a+emma-lOuiSe gallagher

a pint Of blOOD Can Save up tO fOur liveS.

Emma-Louise Gallagher

40 | Blood Donors

O+I have just graduated from the University of Plymouth with a degree in Animal Science. I am extremely passionate about the natural world and conservation, amongst other interests such as animal welfare and punk rock music.

I first gave blood when I was 19 years old, I believe it was the 28th of December. I think I initially did it to impress my girlfriend at the time, but since then I’ve realised what an incredible act giving blood is. Donating literally saves lives.

I definitely feel like it makes a contribution to society, providing others in trouble with a chance. I’d encourage others to put aside their fears about giving blood, even if it’s occasionally, as it really does make a difference to someone else’s life. mOrgan vaughan

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mOrgan vaughan

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a+

I lived in Twickenham, London, until I came to study graphics in Bristol. I really love French films and reading. I don’t know if listening to music or going to gigs counts as a hobby, but those are certainly things I do on a regular basis.

I tried to give blood about a year ago, but my iron levels were very low at the time and so wasn’t allowed. I hadn’t tried since because I just didn’t really think it would change, but I recently decided to try again as my flatmate was going to attempt their first time at it. They were as scared as me, so this encouraged me to attempt it with him. I didn’t think I would want to do it again, but now think I’ll continue to donate. I like the fact that something so small can help people.

My friend Louise, who also accompanied us, fainted. I was fine, but Louise had obviously come to see if I was OK and to cheer me up. When she saw the needle in my arm the next thing I knew was that my nurse had left me and had ran around the bed to lower her on to the floor! It was all very quick. It was nice to see that the nurse knew the signs of someone about to faint.

For three days after I felt horrid, sick and just generally couldn’t think straight, but after that I felt good. It was such a small thing in my life really, and I felt fine after those few days. It was definitely worth it. I don’t know if I’ve made a difference from it, but I’d like to think I’ve helped someone.

I think if people have the time, and aren’t horribly scared of needles they should try it at least once. I don’t know if I would have done it without the support of my flatmate going through the same thing though. I’d love to say I would have eventually, but the initial scare was hard to overcome. I’d tell people to try it once, to understand what it’s like and what it means to do it. After that then obviously if it’s not for them, they don’t have to do it again.

rOSe tuffney

43 | Blood Donors

I’d tell people to try it once, to understand what

it’s like and what it means to do it.

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ab+I’m originally from Italy but now live in the UK, studying at university. I’m passionate about art and design and all things creative. I work part time for a catering agency as a waitress; it’s not the most fun but it has helped me improve people skills and how to cope in busy and fast paced environments.

I gave blood once whilst in school at the age of about 18 as my high school had organised an event where the Red Cross came to take blood from volunteers. I was more than happy to donate and knew that the little I’d give could make a big difference to someone else.

I arrived on the day, all prepared to do my good deed. One of the nurses came and did the whole procedure, which went smoothly as I’m not afraid of needles or that sort of thing. I felt a bit dizzy afterward, but they had supplied juice and snacks for us so I had some of that to get sugar back in to my system.

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ab+It was only a few hours later that I felt really bad; I think my blood pressure had dropped significantly. Unfortunately, on top of that the very next day I woke up with pretty bad flu symptoms; I’m still not sure if the two were related or not. I was unwell for a few days to come, so that’s mainly why my memory of donating isn’t a good one. Nevertheless, I don’t want to exclude the possibility of starting again sometime. I don’t want that bad first experience to put me off forever, as I said, such a small deed could make a big difference to someone in need, so I guess that’s how I’d encourage others.

myrna D’ambrOSiO

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iSOlDa mitChell

47 | Blood Donors

a+

I’ve just graduated as a Children’s Nurse and moved to Devon, living near Okehampton. I really enjoy my job as you get to help children in need and you can really see how blood donations have a great effect on people’s lives.

I first started donating in May 2012. It’s a simple, virtually pain free way of saving and improving lives. It was also a lot quicker than I thought it would be! The act of giving blood does have a feel good factor to it and working where I do I see the impact a blood transfusion can have on whether a child lives or dies, which encourages me to continue giving blood.

Blood is constantly in demand and with how easy it is to give blood through drop-in centres, bloodmobiles and appointments, it’s hard to come up with an excuse for not taking 20 minutes out of your day and giving some blood your body will easily replenish; especially when a person in need could die without it. One day that person needing blood could be you.

One Day that perSOn neeDing blOOD

COulD be yOu.

Isolda Mitchell

Blood Centres

52 | Blood Centres

St. Edyth’s Church, Avonleaze, Sea Mills, BS9 2HU

St. Edyth’s is where I went to make my donation. I knew of the place before hand, as I had carried out a university project in that area. The church itself is very prominent, standing out amongst the many rows of houses lining the surrounding streets.

When donating there, I found the staff to be pleasant and comforting, as they knew it was my first time giving blood. Not only were the staff there very helpful, the local donors were also very hospitable, often initiating conversation with me and asking me questions about the donation process and if this was my first time or not. I got the feeling that Sea Mills has a strong sense of community, but are also very welcoming to anybody they don’t recognise, eager to learn more about where you have come from.

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54 | Blood Centres

Southmead Donor Centre, Southmead Hospital, BS10 5LX

Hanham Methodist Church, Chapel Road, Hanham, BS15 8SD

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Bristol Zoo, Clifton Pavilion, Clifton, BS8 3HA

Colston Hall, Colston Street, BS1 5AR

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The Greenway Centre, Doncaster Road, BS10 5PY

The Rose Green Centre, 65 Gordon Road, Whitehall, BS5 7DR

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Westbury-on-Trym Baptist Church, Reedley Road, BS9 3TD

Southville Centre, Beauley Road, Southville, BS3 1QG

St. George Community Centre, Church Road, BS5 8AA