Blood donors throughout south London have potentially saved around 11,000 lives within the first three months since the Brixton blood donor centre opened, as indicated by data from NHS Blood and Transplant.
From December 2024 to February 2025, a total of 3,773 individuals donated blood at the Brixton location, contributing over 3,000 units, with each unit having the potential to save up to three lives.
Among the donors, approximately 1,000 were first-time contributors, and 50% of the donors were under the age of 35, which is double the national average.
Notably, more than half of the blood donors from black heritage possess the RO blood sub-type, which is crucial for patients suffering from sickle cell disease.
For Calvin Campbell, who lives with sickle cell disease, the ongoing support of blood donors is essential for his survival.
“The pain associated with sickle cell is constant,” he admitted. “I’ve been in pain every moment of my life since I was six months old. I go to bed feeling it, sleep through it, and wake up with it.”
“If it weren’t for the donations of individuals who I’ve never met, I wouldn’t be here to tell my story. My ability to have this conversation comes from regular blood transfusions.”
Leitita, a Lewisham resident, has been a blood donor since turning 18.
“I was thrilled to start donating as soon as I was eligible,” she expressed. “It’s truly remarkable, especially knowing that there are so few black heritage donors. This drives home the importance of maintaining my health so I can continue giving blood.”
“I’m aware that I have the RO sub-type, and knowing it benefits a specific part of my community further motivates me to keep donating.”
Rexford Osei-Bonsu, the manager of the Brixton donor centre, is urging more individuals to come forward and donate.
“We can accommodate over 1,000 appointments weekly and are flexible in scheduling to fit your availability, whether you’re on your way to work, during a lunch break, or after hours,” he stated.
“Donating blood is a quick and painless process. The appointment lasts no longer than an hour, and typically, the actual donation takes around 15 minutes.”
“Since donors can give blood only three to four times annually, it’s crucial to recruit more individuals to help maintain London’s blood supplies.”
