‘My special blood helps critically ill babies’
My Special Blood Helps Critically Ill Babies
A Lifelong Commitment to Saving Lives
Nigel Vaughan, now 70, has donated blood 250 times—a streak that began when he was just 18. His journey started in 1970, during a traumatic event in Blackpool, where he was required to provide a blood sample as part of a community-wide effort following a murder. At the time, he learned he had B negative blood, a rare type known as NEO blood, which can be vital for newborns in intensive care.
According to NHS guidelines, infants receive blood only if it lacks the cytomegalovirus (CMV), a virus that is common in adults but dangerous for newborns with underdeveloped immune systems. Nigel’s blood type, B negative, is among the least frequent globally—just 2% of donors have it. In contrast, O positive blood, the most prevalent type, is found in 36% of the population.
“I’m going to keep doing it until they tell me to stop,” Nigel said, reflecting on his decades-long dedication.
Legacy of Giving
Nigel’s decision to donate was influenced by his mother, who became a regular blood donor after his infantile surgery for pyloric stenosis, a condition that narrows the stomach’s passage to the small intestine. “My earliest memories are of accompanying my mum to give blood,” he shared. “As soon as I was old enough, I started donating myself.”
While Nigel admits he doesn’t track the exact number of lives he’s saved, he estimates he’s helped hundreds of people. “I think it could be up to 500,” he said. Today, his daughter and daughter-in-law also contribute to the cause, continuing a family tradition of generosity. “It’s great to know I’m passing on the blood donation baton,” he added, echoing his mother’s example.
“Knowing my blood can go to babies is quite special,” Nigel remarked. “If there’s no reason why you shouldn’t give blood, please do. You save at least one person’s life, if not three, and help everyone you can.”
Why Blood Donation Matters
NHS Blood and Transplant notes that a single donation can support up to six babies or three adults. While most blood types are well-stocked, there’s a specific need for B negative, O negative, Ro, and Black heritage donors around Easter and the May bank holiday. “The country’s diversity means blood types vary by region,” Nigel emphasized. “It’s really important people from all backgrounds donate to meet these needs.”
For Nigel, the act of giving blood is simple and fulfilling. “I’ve done it for so many years, it’s just a half-hour of my time, and I give it happily to help others,” he said. His passion for the cause remains undiminished, driven by a belief in the power of community support.
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