Hendon man to make EIGHTH Covid plasma donation – and 100th blood donation
Rael Gamsu, 52, will give convalescent plasma donation at Edgware donor centre, as he marks landmark of blood donations given over a 30 year period.
A Jewish man from Hendon will make an incredible eighth Covid-19 plasma trial donation this week, as NHS bosses pay tribute to his help in giving antibodies.
Rael Gamsu, 52, who has recovered from coronavirus, will head back to give a remarkable eighth convalescent plasma donation at Edgware donor centre on Thursday, a trip that also marks his 100th overall blood donation since his early 20s.
“I first donated convalescent plasma in September after hearing about the trial from NHS colleagues, and have been returning regularly over the last few months,” he said.
“I had previously donated blood and platelets and wanted to help. The staff at Edgware are fantastic and go out of their way to help. I wear hearing aids and one of the donor nurses found a transparent mask to help me lip read.”
Gamsu encouraged others who have had Covid-19 to take part in the plasma trial, with NHS Blood and Transplant urgently asking for more males to come forward, as they are more likely to have the antibody-rich convalescent plasma needed.
“Knowing that people have lost their lives to the virus among my community, and many others, if plasma could be the difference between life or death, I’m glad that I have been able to play my part in helping others,” he said.
“I would urge anyone who has had Covid to volunteer and get in touch with your local donor centre to see if you can donate plasma. It doesn’t take long and you are cared for by amazing staff. In particular men who were hospitalised have a greater chance of having high antibody levels. Their donation could save many lives.”
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How to donate:
Anyone aged 18 or over who has had Covid-19 can offer to donate blood plasma. Donating is easy. It takes just 45 minutes and the whole appointment, including time for snacks, lasts just over an hour. Plasma is collected at NHSBT’s 23 donor centres around the country, including in Edgware and Tottenham. You can volunteer today at www.nhsbt.nhs.uk or simply search online for ‘donate plasma’.
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