A Birmingham grandad who regularly donates plasma has encouraged others to do the same after family ‘heartbreak’.
Inspirational Paul Barnett, 47, donates “in honour” of his three-year-old granddaughter Suraiya who was born premature with Kawasaki disease.
She was in and out of hospital for the first year of her life and she suffered severe symptoms including rashes, red eyes, nosebleeds and swollen hands.
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But thanks to the plasma-derived intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment, Suraiya was able to make a full recovery.
She no longer requires infusions after receiving the all-clear in February.
Paul, who used to give blood before switching solely to plasma donations, said: “It was heartbreaking to see Suraiya so poorly as a little baby.
“Now she is a strong, chatty and kind girl who loves playing doctors.
“I donate in honour of her…to help other children suffering from Kawasaki disease.”
Paul Barnett, 47, with his three-year-old granddaughter Suraiya -Credit:NHS
The Business Improvement District (BID) warden, who donates at Birmingham Plasma Donor Centre, said: “I am so grateful to everyone who also donates.
“A huge thank you, not only to the other plasma donors, but also to the donor centre staff for their dedication.
“Working with plasma is a 24/7 operation and I deeply appreciate the hard work that goes into it.”
Grandad-of-three Paul Barnett at Birmingham Plasma Donor Centre -Credit:NHS
It was only after Suraiya’s diagnosis that Paul became aware of how plasma was being used to manufacture life-saving drugs to treat different diseases – including Kawasaki.
Paul walks past the donor centre, one of only three dedicated plasma donor centres in England, multiple times a day while on patrol. He said he was “lucky” he was able to pop in with ease after work.
Mark Bailey, manager at Birmingham Plasma Donor Centre, said: “Paul’s determination to donate plasma is truly inspiring.
“I thank him, and all our plasma and blood donors in the Birmingham area, for coming forward and doing their part to improve and save the lives of others.
“Paul’s personal experience – through Suraiya – highlights the vital role of plasma in life-saving treatments and the essential impact donors can have on patients of all ages and their families.
“The need for blood and plasma never stops, and currently we have a lot of appointments still available to fill – both here in Birmingham and across the rest of the country.
“We strongly urge all potential donors to book their next appointment today.”
Interested in donating? Either visit www.blood.co.uk, download the GiveBlood app, or call 0300 123 23 23.