‘I simply wouldn’t survive without blood donors’

A man from Llantwit Major says blood donors have his “unconditional gratitude” after he was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer.

With cancer now affecting one in two people, blood donors continue to play a vital role in the treatment cancer patients receive, helping not only to prolong their lives but maintain their quality of life.

Maurice Hoskins, 72, was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), a slow-developing form of cancer that causes the body to produce immature red blood cells, in September 2024.

To help him through his cancer treatment, he now receives two blood transfusions every three weeks.

Maurice had remained fit and healthy throughout his life and was still able to jog and take long walks around the lanes surrounding Llantwit Major as he entered his seventies. But it was on one of his daily walks that Maurice realised something was wrong.

“I was normally able to do the walk quite comfortably. One day, I felt really quite breathless and knew something wasn’t right,” Maurice explained.

Within a week, Maurice started treatment at University Hospital Llandough.

A former blood donor himself, Maurice is now thanking those who give blood this World Blood Cancer Day (May 28) for their generosity.

“I know from experience the dedication it takes to donate blood. They have my unconditional gratitude,” he said.

He added: “It feels surreal to be on the receiving end of blood donations. I never thought much about what happens to my donation after having my tea and biscuit.

“I hope my story will encourage more people to donate and help donors to understand the impact they’re having and the lives they’re saving.”

‘Incredibly grateful for each day’

Already a blood donor herself for more than 30 years, Julie admits she’d never thought too much about what happens to her blood after donating.

She added: “Obviously, I knew it was a good thing to do, but I hadn’t considered how big of an impact it has.

“Dad’s illness gave me a deeper understanding of the difference blood donation can have on people’s lives. Not just the patient, but their loved ones, too.”

Alan Prosser, Director of the Welsh Blood Service, said: “Stories like Maurice’s and Brian’s highlight how critical donations are for patients in need and how much they’ve helped their families spend more precious time together.

“Every day, the Welsh Blood Service needs around 350 blood donations to help hospitals across the country. Around 70 per cent of blood donations go to treating medical conditions like Maurice and Brian’s, which is why hospitals need a readily available supply of all blood types seven days a week, 365 days a year.”