Summary
Nigel Vaughan, a 70-year-old from Derby, has donated his rare B negative blood type 250 times to help critically ill babies. This blood type is particularly valuable because it can be given to newborns without exposing them to the cytomegalovirus, which can be harmful to infants with weak immune systems. NHS Blood and Transplant is seeking more donors with rarer blood types like Nigel's.
Key Facts
- Nigel Vaughan has donated his rare B negative blood type 250 times.
- B negative blood is rare, found in just 2% of blood donors globally.
- This blood type is crucial for newborns needing blood without cytomegalovirus.
- Cytomegalovirus is harmless to most adults but can be fatal to infants.
- Nigel started donating blood inspired by his mother, who was also a donor.
- NHS Blood and Transplant is in need of more donors with rare blood types.
- One blood donation can help up to six babies or three adults.
- Nigel works as an emergency responder for St John Ambulance.
