Edinburgh couple's Christmas gifts

Caoimhe Duignan (34) received her first life-saving transfusion within the first few hours of her life. This December, partner Mike made his first donation to help people just like her.

Born with severe jaundice, Caoimhe needed a full body transfusion at birth. Following a period of sustained illness, at just five years old she was diagnosed with hereditary spherocytosis - a condition where her red blood cells are very fragile, and ball-shaped rather than the usual discs.

Recently, seeing Caoimhe's experiences, it's given me the kick start I needed to help Caiomhe and people like her, who need blood. Mike

Over the last few decades, Caoimhe's periods of good health have been interspersed with multiple transfusions. These take place when her body goes into a 'haemolitic crisis' - meaning she becomes severely anaemic, her immune system goes into overdrive and she is unable to generate her own new red cells. At this point, the only option has been to undergo transfusions, often triple doses, in order to make her well. Sometime the slightest illness can cause significant illness and blood donations could be the only treatment that can help.

The couple's visit to the Edinburgh Donor Centre gave Caoimhe the opportunity to see blood donors in action, from a perspective she hadn't seen before. Watching real life blood, platelet and plasma donations was quite an emotional experience, not only for Caoimhe but for one donor in particular, Shirran, who chatted with Caoimhe throughout her donation. Caoimhe's heartfelt thank you at the end of her visit was a humbling moment for all in the donor centre that day.

'As a patient, you often wonder who gave their time and their blood. Meeting the staff and the donors today was amazing. It's something I'll never forget and I'm so pleased I was able to do it.'

Meanwhile, partner Mike Ward (37) has been rallying the troops at the couples place of work, Hawksmoor Edinburgh. Supporting Caoimhe and other patients across Scotland, Mike is encouraging anyone that is able to come forward and give blood. His message to 80+ colleagues at the company's Edinburgh base is, 'If you want someone to go with you, I'll chum
you. We can go during your shift and put our paid volunteering time to good use.'

Scotland needs 15,000 people to give blood over the festive period. Donor recruitment officer Hayley says, '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, at the Edinburgh Donor Centre on Lauriston Place. We also have an extra session on Sunday 29 December. We're asking people to take time out their busy schedules on these dates - and we look forward to welcoming you.'

• Inspired by Caoimhe and Mike? Book an appointment to give blood
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