NHS 'super donor' says helping is 'an honour'

A man dubbed an NHS super donor for his commitment to giving blood, plasma and stem cells has described helping others as "an honour" and something he will do for as long as he can.

Andy Stowe, 64, is among 10 "super donors" whose efforts during the last 20 years are being celebrated by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), which formed in 2005.

The cycling officer from Birmingham started giving blood as a teenager which he continued into adulthood, then donated stem cells in 2013 and now donates plasma every two weeks.

"It's something I have always loved to do," he said.

He said it was "extra important" to him as his wife might soon need to have a plasma-based treatment.

"It's brought home just how important it is that there are donations there when people need them," explained Mr Stowe, who also donates platelets.

"I'm incredibly proud to have been a donor of all types and will continue to donate as long as I can and whatever is needed."

Two other men from the West Midlands were also named on the list - Adam Murchington from Birmingham and Robert Clay from Solihull.

The 10 super donors, aged between 31 and 64, are also on the NHS Organ Donor Register. They are:

• Adam Murchington, 61, from Birmingham
• Andrew Bruce, 58, from County Durham
• Andy Stowe, 64, from Birmingham
• Anthony Robson, 33, from Stockton-on-Tees
• Christopher Black, 31, from Leicester
• Henry Care, 33, from Manchester
• James Allen, 44, from London
• Robert Clay, 64, from Solihull
• Stuart Reader, 62, from Essex
• Tim Sargeant, 58, from Essex

NHSBT was established in October 2005 when the National Blood Authority, UK Transplant and Bio Products Laboratory merged to create one organisation.

Blood, plasma, platelet and stem cells are used to help treat a variety of injuries and illnesses including life-threatening accidents and cancer.

Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.