30/04/2026
Donation number 53 😊
Have you ever thought about donating whole blood, Platelets or Plasma? Donating every 6 to 8 weeks or so has become a bit of a reset moment for me (and is now part of my routine).
You get about 80-90 minutes where you have to sit still (rare for me), so it turns into a bit of thinking time. No emails, no distractions - just a chance to pause, plan, and reset a little. An opportunity to do a bit of reading and think about work, life, and a few slightly nerdy ideas I'll probably turn into something later. And tea and biscuits, of course.
Platelets are very much in demand as they only last for 7 days, so if you've ever considered donating but haven't quite got round to it, you're welcome to come with me next time I go in late July (at Norfolk House, in the centre of Manchester). Most platelet donations (about 70%) help people who are undergoing cancer treatment. You can find out all about platelets here : https://platelets.blood.co.uk/about-platelets/
It’s straightforward, the team are always brilliant, and you're genuinely helping people in a very real way. It does not hurt at all, and I don't even notice the (small) needle is in my arm.
If you fancy coming along, or have any questions about the donation process, give me a shout :)
You can sign up here: https://www.blood.co.uk