Hannah received the perfect gift of life saving blood transfusions

One young person who knows firsthand how vital blood transfusions are is Hannah Russell. Hannah, 20, lives in Glasgow and has a rare haemolytic blood disorder which has affected her family for generations.

This past winter, she experienced a severe haemolytic crisis that required four life-saving blood transfusions within 24 hours. Unfortunately, Hannah's haemoglobin levels continue to drop, making her reliant on regular transfusions.

I can work, socialise, and enjoy life like any other 20-year-old, thanks to the incredible donors. Hannah, 20, Glasgow

Hannah 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 way she bounced back from getting blood was amazing. Dad, Garry Russell

Hannah's Dad, Garry, a blood donor himself said 'The way she bounced back from getting blood was amazing. That's why it's so important to give blood'.

Scotland needs 15,000 people to donate blood over the festive period. The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service is particularly keen to welcome donors on the key dates of Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, Hogmanay and 2 January 2025. 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.'

 

If you've been inspired by Hannah's story check your eligibility and book an appointment at our website or contact us at nss.snbtsenquiry@nhs.scot or by calling 0345 90 90 999.