“I wouldn’t necessarily compare it to a superpower, but it truly is remarkable that a trait you were simply born with can benefit so many individuals.”

Speaking from the most bustling blood donation center in Europe, Julia Gryn, who hails from Thornton Heath in south London, has dropped by to donate her blood after finishing work.

At 27 years old, she represents one of approximately 100 contributors on the NHS Blood and Transplant’s (NHSBT) Rare Donor Panel. Out of around 800,000 blood donors, those on this panel account for a mere 0.01%.

During her visit to London’s West End Donor Centre on Margaret Street, Julia expressed, “It’s absolutely incredible that I have the ability to assist someone with a genetic condition.”

She further remarked, “It’s astonishing to consider that a single blood donation can potentially save up to three lives.”

Julia’s blood is classified as rare because she does not possess several of the common antigens prevalent across various blood group systems.

Among the 350 known antigens, her unique profile lacks the K, M, S, Fya, and Jkb antigens, all of which are typically abundant in the general population.

Her particular blood type is especially crucial for individuals suffering from sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disorder that causes patients to develop antibodies against multiple blood types, complicating the search for compatible blood.

Having started donating blood as a teenager, Julia was invited to be part of the Rare Donor Panel in May 2020, early in the COVID pandemic.

“Initially, I believed my blood was just average,” she recalled.

Upon joining the panel, she noted that the experience was distinct from her usual donations.

“It feels much more personal. I get notified when a specific patient requires a closely matched donation, and I schedule my donation accordingly. Knowing there’s someone out there who needs exactly what I can provide makes the process feel much more immediate and significant.”

She added, “During my first donation, a team member mentioned that in their seven years of service, I was the first rare blood donor they had encountered. That really stood out to me.”

“Donating blood is a wonderful act—most people are capable of doing it, and it has such a significant impact.”

Dr. Chiara Vendramin, a specialty physician in donor medicine for the panel, emphasized the rarity of donors like Julia.

“Julia is an extraordinary donor. Her contributions over the years have been invaluable.”

“Rare donors are vital to our operations because they help us fulfill the complex blood needs for specific patients.”

“Most of these special blood requirements are for those who suffer from sickle cell disease.”

As for Julia, she has a reassuring message for those apprehensive about donating:

“I would tell them it’s honestly not as daunting as it seems.

“Many of my colleagues and friends ask me, ‘What’s it like? Is the needle really big?’ To be honest, you hardly notice it—it’s over so quickly.

“Everyone is exceptionally kind, and I would say it’s a small gesture that can truly make a difference and save lives.”