Transfusions helped my daughter fight on (From Daily Echo)

Transfusions helped my daughter fight on

2:51pm Monday 10th August 2009 in News By Melanie Adams, Health Reporter

NOBODY knows how vital blood donors are more than Hampshire dad Mark Minter.

Three years ago he was forced to watch on helplessly as his daughter Helen lost her battle against cancer on her 21st birthday.

He had seen her bravely fight the disease and watched in amazement as something as simple as a blood transfusion revitalised her and gave her strength to carry on during her three-year battle.

Having seen the immediate effects that it had on his daughter, the 52-year-old motor mechanic from Southampton decided he was going to become a donor and help others like Helen.

Mark said: “I think this is a fantastic campaign by the Daily Echo. I have seen first hand what a difference something as simple as a blood transfusion can do for people who are suffering.

“Being at the hospital so often with my daughter I decided I wanted to do something positive with my time and give something back.

“When Helen was given a transfusion it was amazing to see the immediate effect it had on her. Within minutes she was revitalised and back to the girl we knew and loved.

“The blood she had while in surgery was also vital because although the operation didn’t cure the cancer it gave her an extra year of life in which she did so many things. We are so grateful for that.

“Becoming a donor is such a worthwhile thing to do. You are making a lot of families a lot happier when they need it most.

“It is something so simple, blood, but when you see the positive impact it has on a loved one you are so thankful that somebody took time out to donate.

“Coming here for me makes me feel that I am doing something to try and help other people who are going through the same horrific experience we went through with Helen.”