Scots woman battling rare genetic blood disorder reliant on life-saving transfusions

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A Glasgow woman who is battling a rare genetic blood disorder is reliant on life-saving transfusions.

Hannah Russell, 20, undergoes regular treatment to fight a rare blood disorder which has affected her family for generations. The family suffer from a haemolytic blood condition which causes red blood cells to be destroyed faster than the body can produce new ones - which then causes severe anaemia.

Last winter, Hannah required four life-saving blood transfusions within 24 hours to save her from life-threatening condition. She now has to have regular transfusions as her haemoglobin never raised back to her pre-crisis levels.

She is now calling for more people to donate blood this Christmas to help save lives like hers, reports Glasgow Live.

She said: “Blood transfusions have not only saved my life but also allow me to live a normal life in between them. I can work, socialise, and enjoy life like any other 20-year-old, thanks to the incredible donors.

“My Mum, Granny, and Great-Papa have all benefited from blood transfusions. The work that donors and the service do is incredibly special to me and my family.”

Hannah has received six transfusions so far and counting. She said: “I don’t think people realise what a selfless and important thing they’re doing unless they know someone who has needed blood products. It allows people like me to live full lives.”

To those considering donating blood for the first time, Hannah offers encouragement: She said: “I recently accompanied my partner while he donated blood for the first time at Glasgow Donor Centre and was amazed by how seamless and comfortable the process was. I urge you to do it, if only for the snack selection afterwards!

"It's hard to visualise, but every donation really could save a life, in one hour, on your lunch break or between running errands, you can save a life, which is pretty amazing.”

The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service say that they need 15,000 Glaswegians to give the gift of blood over the festive period to support the NHS. They are keen to welcome donors to Glasgow Donor Centre on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, Hogmanay and January 2.

In addition to donors attending Glasgow Donor Centre, they also looking to welcome donors to sessions taking place within the community. Throughout December there are many important sessions taking place, including Paisley, Ayr, Knightswood, East Kilbride and Kilmarnock.

Debbie McNaughton, Associate Director, Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS), said: “There are currently 96,726 blood donors in Scotland and 41,558 of them are in the Glasgow area and the West of Scotland. Whilst we are very grateful to them, our donor base still has not fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels. It is very important we welcome more new donors.

“We’d also love to welcome younger donors – you can start giving blood age 17, but we notice up to 50 per cent fewer 17-year-olds coming forward from five years ago. As Scotland faces an ageing population, this poses a significant challenge.”

Debbie added: “This year we’re also excited to launch an additional campaign for people to donate plasma for medicines, which can be used to treat over 50 diseases, including babies with haemolytic disease – an inherited condition which affects red blood cells.

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“Currently, we have 800 plasma donors in Scotland and we hope to welcome another 1,000 plasma donors in the next 12 months. Glasgow currently has 288 plasma donors and we’re looking to increase this amount by an additional 310 donors by this time next year. You can donate plasma at Glasgow Donor Centre 7 days a week.

“As we move into thoughts of New Year resolutions, there can be no better commitment to make.”

Debbie concludes, “Maintaining a safe and regular supply of blood to hospitals is our top priority. The need for blood does not take a rest, and we will be collecting blood on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and Hogmanay. We are asking people to take time out of their busy schedules on these dates. We look forward to welcoming you soon

To check your eligibility and to book an appointment, visit the website or contact us at nss.snbtsenquiry@nhs.scot or by calling 0345 90 90 999.

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