‘My special blood helps critically ill babies’
My Special Blood Helps Critically Ill Babies
Nigel Vaughan, now 70, has been donating blood for 250 sessions since he first gave it at 18. His journey began in 1970 when he was 16 and learned of his rare B negative blood type, also referred to as NEO blood, during a traumatic event in Blackpool. At the time, a murder prompted mass blood testing, requiring individuals in a specific age bracket to submit saliva and blood samples. The results revealed his unique blood could be vital for newborns in intensive care.
The NHS explains that infants often need blood without the cytomegalovirus (CMV), a virus most adults encounter without serious consequences. However, for babies with weakened immune systems, CMV can be life-threatening. Nigel’s B negative type is among the least common globally, with just 2% of donors possessing it. In contrast, O positive blood, the most prevalent, is found in 36% of donors.
“I’m going to keep doing it until they tell me to stop,” Nigel remarked when speaking to the BBC. His mother, a blood donor, inspired him to start giving blood after he underwent life-saving treatment for pyloric stenosis as a baby—a condition where the stomach’s connection to the small intestine narrows, often requiring surgical intervention.
Nigel, an emergency responder for St John Ambulance, believes his contributions have impacted hundreds of lives, though he admits he doesn’t have an exact count. “It’s great to know I’m passing on the blood donation baton, just like my mum before me,” he said. His daughter and son-in-law now join him in donating blood, continuing the legacy of helping others.
The NHS Blood and Transplant spokesperson highlighted that a single donation can support up to six infants or three adults. While overall blood supplies are sufficient, there’s a growing demand for B negative, O negative, and blood types associated with Black heritage donors, particularly around Easter and the May bank holiday. Nigel emphasized the importance of diversity in blood donation, noting the country’s varied population requires contributions from all backgrounds.
“To be honest, I just turn up and hope it does good,” Nigel shared. “It’s half an hour of my time, and I give it happily to help others.” He urged people to donate if possible, stating that each contribution can save at least one life—often more. “You save at least one person’s life if not three… so help everybody you can,” he added.
Listen to BBC Radio Derby on Sounds and follow BBC Derby on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Submit your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 0808 100 2210.
