Staff at the Leeds Donor Centre have paid tribute to local platelet recipient Joseph Mayman by naming a donation area after him. Joseph was honoured by NHS Blood and Transplant at the naming ceremony and his story and image takes pride of place on a pedestal in the donor centre.
Joseph from Horsforth, Leeds was diagnosed with the aggressive cancer neuroblastoma in October 2012. He underwent 14 months of treatment, including eight cycles of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant.
During his treatment, Joseph was given numerous platelet and blood transfusions as his body couldn’t make blood cells quickly enough.
Thankfully, Joseph got through an extremely difficult time and is now well enough to attend school. Last year he supported NHS Blood and Transplant’s Christmas Campaign to help raise awareness of the need for blood and platelet donors in the local area.
Sarah, Joseph’s mum said:
“Each time Joseph received blood I thought about the kindness of blood donors and what a precious gift they have given my son and my whole family. Encouraging others to become donors, to help people like Joseph, was our gesture to say thank you.”
Platelets are the clotting factors in the blood which help to stem blood loss and are often given to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or those with certain types of anaemia. Platelets only have a shelf life of seven days so it’s vital that stocks are constantly replenished.
Amanda Eccles, Senior Marketing Coordinator said:
“We wanted to remind all of our dedicated donors that their blood really does save lives. Blood donation is anonymous so donors don’t know where their donations go. We know that hearing from people like Joseph helps make donors feel appreciated and reminds them why they take the time to donate.
“We hope that having an area named after Joseph and having information displayed in the centre will inspire other blood donors to become platelet donors. Without the absolutely vital blood donations given by donors Joseph would not have been able to receive the transfusions he needed as part of his life-saving treatment.”
Anyone wanting to be a platelet donor must be in good health, aged 17 to 65 (if not donated before) or over 70 and have given a whole blood donation in the last two years.
Platelets can be donated at 23 dedicated centres across the country. To find the nearest centre or to book an appointment call 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk/platelets
