Firefighters support urgent blood appeal

Two dedicated firefighters based in Glasgow are helping Scotblood with an urgent appeal for more platelet donors this year.

The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) is looking for more than 300 new platelet donors in Scotland, including 200 in Glasgow alone.

SNBTS needs blood, platelet and plasma donations. Donating platelets takes a little bit longer than blood donation.

Station Commander John Allan and Crew Commander Andrew Kerr, who donate while off duty from their roles within the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, have demonstrated the process of donating in a video with SNBTS.

They are helping patients battling blood cancers as well as newborn babies who rely on life-saving transfusions in their first few days of life.

John Allan, who is no stranger to making split-second decisions in high-risk environments, spoke about his switch from blood to platelet donation.

He said: “The opportunity to donate platelets has given me a way to help people without the inherent risks of entering a burning building. It’s a safer way for me to make a difference while still giving back to the community.

"The staff at the Glasgow Donor Centre made me realise the huge impact platelets can have on patients’ lives.”

Andrew Kerr, who has made an impressive 36 donations so far, finds it simple to schedule his platelet donations around his firefighting shifts.

He said: “Platelets take a little bit longer than blood donation but you’re always really well looked after. I get my apple juice and my KitKat and I’m ready to go!”

Fiona Shields, spokesperson for Scotblood, said: “We are incredibly grateful to all our Scottish Fire and Rescue Service blood, platelet and plasma donors who give up their time to support the patients of Scotland.

“If you are an O or A group donor and can give roughly every four weeks in one of our donor centres in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, or Glasgow this might be the right fit for you.

“During 2025 Scotland also needs to welcome 1,000 new plasma donors. Plasma is used for critically ill patients including, burns victims, those who have lost large volumes of blood or with weak immune systems. You can give plasma at our donor centres in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness.

“If you’ve never given blood or haven’t for a while you can sign up at scotblood.co.uk. And if you’ve been inspired by Andrew and John to give platelets fill in our online form to register your interest and one of the team will be in touch to book you in for a test and assessment.”

Those interested in donating platelets, plasma, or blood can sign up today by visiting scotblood.co.uk. If inspired by John and Andrew’s story, individuals can also complete an online form to register for platelet donation and book a test and assessment.

For more information, to check your eligibility, or to book an appointment, please visit scotblood.co.uk or contact SNBTS at nss.snbtsenquiry@nhs.scot or call 0345 90 90 999.