Ian Boreham, from Overton, the man who has donated the most plasma for lifesaving medicines at Reading donor centre, is supporting an appeal for new donors.
Mr Boreham (pictured) has donated 33 times, the most of any donor at Reading plasma donor centre since 7th April 2021, the date plasma donation for medicines restarted. He made his 33rd donation on Tuesday 25th April.
Mr Boreham 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.
The 58-year-old IT engineer from Overton near Basingstoke donates as often as he can.
He was originally a blood donor and now donates plasma for medicines.
He said: “You feel you are doing something good for somebody in need. The newer donations machines are better too, because they are faster and you can see how much you have donated and how long there is to go.
“I’d just say to people if you needed it you would be grateful to the person who donated it. It’s a worthwhile thing to do.”
Plasma is part of blood. It 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.
Donna Cullen, Head of Nursing for Plasma for Medicines, said: “Ian is a hero. He is basically giving people a dose of his healthy immune system, which gives other people the strength to protect themselves. We need more people to register as plasma donors.”
To donate, see www.blood.co.uk/plasma.