How one donation can change a life

When Derek Ryan (49) from Carnoustie, sat down to give blood this summer, he was shocked to discover it had been nine years since his last donation.

'Life just gets in the way,' Derek admitted. 'Holidays, work, family time the clock keeps ticking. It didn't feel like nine years it felt like yesterday I gave my last donation, but it really hit me I should have been back much sooner.'

Derek's very first donation in 2006 came at a moment that changed his family's life forever. His wife, Helen had been diagnosed with breast cancer after finding a lump. After reconstructive surgery, her haemoglobin levels dropped so low that she needed a blood transfusion.

'That's when it became real for me,' Derek said. 'It wasn't just a statistic, it was my wife. Without blood donors, she wouldn't have had the strength to recover. That's something you never forget.'

Helen recovered and remained cancer-free for many years, but more recently she has been diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) a condition she now lives with every day.

As a nurse, Helen understands better than most just how essential blood donors are. 'I don't think people always realise what they're giving,' she said. 'For patients like me, blood donors are a lifeline. It's not just about the blood itself, it's knowing that strangers care enough to give up their time to help someone they may never meet. That means everything.'

At a recent donation session in Carnoustie, Helen was moved by the number of familiar faces who had turned up. 'The room was buzzing. People I knew from the community were all there. It was so special to see all of them giving blood for people like me. They really just don't know how special they are. I just can't thank them enough.'

Their daughter, Martha (15) joined her mum and dad at the session. Helen discovered she was pregnant with Martha during her first cancer diagnosis and Martha was born in November 2009, making it an especially powerful moment for the family.

For the Ryan's, giving blood is deeply personal. They want to encourage others not to wait but to act now.

'You never know when someone you love might need it,' Derek said. 'That's why I'll never leave it another nine years. Please if you can, book an appointment. You might just save someone's life.'

• If you're inspired by Derek, Helen and Martha's story, you can make a difference today.
• Register and book your appointment online or by calling 0345 90 90 999.