I would have died without vital gift of blood (From Daily Echo)

Blood transfusions helped Nigel Whales beat acute myeloid leukaemia

2:17pm Tuesday 11th August 2009 in Gift of Life Appeal By Melanie Adams, Health Reporter

Nigel and Liz Whales. Echo picture by Matt Watson. Order no: 7671625

IT WAS the gift of life that allowed a Hampshire dad to walk his daughter down the aisle on her wedding day.

Had it not been for blood donors, Nigel Whales would never have witnesses his daughter’s big day or the birth of his grandson.

The 61-year-old from Soberton, near Wickham, is passionately backing the Daily Echo’s Gift of Life Appeal and urging you to sign up as a donor today.

We have teamed up with the National Blood Service in Hampshire in a bid to recruit 1,000 people to save 3,000 lives this summer.

SIGN UP HERE

With the winter months just around the corner and fears that swine flu cases will rocket, it is vital that as many people as possible become donors and build up blood stocks before we are struck down with illness and cannot donate.

After numerous blood transfusions of more than 242 units, Nigel got the chance to experience precious family moments that he may have never lived to see.

In August 2003, the retired naval commander was admitted to Southampton General Hospital after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia. After chemotherapy and many blood transfusions he went into remission for 15 months but in December 2004 found that the disease had returned.

“More chemo and more blood donations – thank goodness for blood donors I constantly reminded myself,” said Nigel.

“I would quietly thank the anonymous donors from my bed, then aloud to fellow patients and they too would echo my sentiments. Carefully administered drugs and lots of donated blood saved my bacon.”

In April 2006 and after a second relapse, Nigel was told he had once again fought off the disease and he remains in remission today, enjoying his retirement with his wife Liz.

He added: “Had I been a donor? No, I much regret I had not. I was too busy and actually rather squeamish when it came to needles, but men don’t admit to that. Had my donors been too busy, I would not be here.

“I remain ever in the debt of all those who gave me blood and those who continue to take time to make a blood donation.

“I recently met a group of 30 donors who had contributed more than 75 units each, including two who had given over 100 units. It was pretty humbling to meet these donors, who all saw themselves as ordinary human beings and fellow citizens doing their bit. For me they’re all very special people.

“If you think you might be able to help then I would beg you to consider signing up today.”