The man who has donated the most plasma for lifesaving medicines at London’s plasma donor centre is supporting the appeal for new donors during the first ever NHS ‘Plasma Donation Week’.
Keith Brown from Hounslow has donated 34 times, the most of any donor at London’s only plasma donor centre – which is in Twickenham – since April 7, 2021, the date plasma donation for medicines restarted.
He is supporting the call for more than 1,000 more people to register as plasma donors over the next year to help hit targets and improve long term supplies of a medicine that saves and improves lives.
Keith, aged 63, an assistant school site manager from Feltham, made his 34th donation on Monday, April 24, during Plasma Donation Week.
He donates every 5-6 weeks and was previously a blood donor.
Keith said: “It’s really the people who work there that keep me donating – the Donor Carers.
“I am quite friendly with them now, they know my name and they are a friendly team.
“I book my appointments on the app, it’s simple and easy to use.
“I would say the plasma donation process is simple. The machine does all the work.
“It takes longer than blood donation but only about 35 minutes. As far as comfort, I’ve had no issues.
“I know it helps people’s immune systems and that helps motivate me to keep going back.
“And it’s just nice to know you have got something that people need.
“I feel like if you can do it, you should.
“And you never know, it could be someone in your family that needs it next.
“I feel that I want to support the NHS in any way I can. You can’t just take – you have got to give back.”
Plasma is made into a medicine called immunoglobulin, which is used to treat more than 50 diseases.
It works by strengthening or stabilising the immune system.
Plasma is part of your blood. It’s a yellow liquid which carries everything around the body.
During donation, a machine gradually separates out up to 700mls of plasma from your blood.
Donation takes about 35 minutes and the whole visit – including questionnaires and snacks – takes around one hour 15 minutes.
Donna Cullen, Head of Nursing for Plasma for Medicines, said: “Keith is a hero.
“He is basically giving other people a dose of his healthy immune system, saving lives.
“But we need more people to register as plasma donors at our Twickenham donor centre.
“Donation is safe and easy and our team will make you feel welcome. It feels good to help save a life.”
Twickenham plasma donor centre is in Regal House in London Road.
Make an appointment to donate plasma at www.blood.co.uk/plasma
