Georgia’s Donation Story
After her close friend needed multiple blood transfusions following the birth of her second child, Georgia Nairn, 33, was reminded why donating blood is so important. We spoke with Georgia about her experiences of giving blood, and why she would encourage everyone who is able to donate to do so.
When did you first donate blood?
“I first donated blood in December 2012 after seeing a poster about a blood bus coming to my local area. I had always wanted to give blood, but for some reason I just hadn’t made the time to actually do it. My dad suffered a sudden illness in August of 2012, and it was while I was sitting in the hospital waiting for him to come out of surgery - which luckily, he survived - that I saw the poster to give blood. I decided then and there that I would start donating blood to help other people as much as I could.”
Can you tell us a bit more about your experiences donating blood?
“I have always been quite comfortable with needles so the thought of giving blood didn’t really faze me. I remember the nurses being so friendly and it was all very quick. You get checked in, do a finger prick blood test to check your iron levels and then you just wait for a bed to give blood. I am usually in and out within 30-45 minutes, and of course, one of the best bits is getting a wee Tunnocks teacake on the way out!”
What makes you want to continue to donate regularly?
“I have donated 16 pints so far since 2012 and I tend to post it on my social media each time I do so. I like to spread the word and try to encourage as many other people to give blood as possible. It’s such an incredibly selfless thing to do and could save someone’s life. My blood type is O- which means my blood is the universal donor and can be used for anyone. It’s particularly important in emergency situations and for babies where their blood type is unknown - this is the reason that I give blood and will continue to do so until I’m told I can’t anymore!”
After your friend Jodie required blood transfusions, how did that impact your motivations to donate?
“I was driving home from work when Jodie’s husband, Calum, called me to let me know what had happened. He told me that Jodie had given birth but wasn’t in a good way. He sounded so scared and it really hit home for me how incredible it is to give blood. The fact that if it wasn’t for people going out there and doing this amazing good deed, my friend might not be here today. I enjoy giving blood and love the feeling it gives me knowing that I might be saving someone’s loved one, but when it happened to someone so close to me I truly understood the importance of it.”
To learn more about Georgia’s friends experience of requiring multiple blood, platelet and plasma transfusions after she gave birth to her second child, read Jodie’s story here: www.giveblood4good.org/jodies-story.
Is there any advice you would give to someone who is worried about donating blood?
“I would simply say, please don’t worry! I know a lot of people avoid going because of a fear of needles but I promise you, it’s not as bad as you think. The finger prick test is a little nip and over in a second and the needle itself in your arm for the blood donation is carried out by lovely, well trained nurses who know exactly what they’re doing. I barely feel it most of the time. It’s such a quick and easy process and then you just lie back and chill, scroll on your phone, or chat to the nurses while you give your life saving pint of blood!”