More than 75 new donors have signed up to give blood and plasma thanks to a “hugely successful” event at Walsall Manor Hospital.

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust teamed up with the Plasma of Hope charity to host the “Know Your Blood Type” event yesterday (Wednesday 11 June).

The charity supports people living with genetic blood disorders such as Sickle Cell and Thalassemia, as well as survivors of associated complications including stroke and other health issues resulting in disability.

It aims to raise awareness about blood donation and improve access to life-saving, ethnically matched blood types, particularly for patients with genetic blood disorders.

Angela Cope, Staff Network and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at the Trust, said as well as new donors, 56 appointments were made and conversations held with 120 people – including the Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Louise Harrison, who supported the event.

“We managed to get just under 60 to become new donors when we held a similar event in 2023 and yesterday’s event went beyond our expectations with us getting more than 75 new donors,” she said.

“It was hugely successful and we met and engaged with people from a broad mix of communities. This event was particularly important for us to highlight the importance of finding donors with the RO blood subtype – especially among those of African and Caribbean heritage.”

The Mayor Walsall said she used to give blood some time ago and she had a finger prick test to find out she was O+.

“I think sessions like this one are really important and I was happy to come along and show my support, plus I’m back on the register now! It has been really informative and I imagine a lot of people now know how they can go about giving blood.”

Marie-Claire Kofi, Founder and CEO of Plasma of Hope said the event had been an important opportunity to myth bust too.

“It has been so worthwhile because we have spoken to lots of people and have been able to highlight how important ongoing access to rare blood subtypes such as RO is, especially those with sickle cell disease.

“And we spoke to one man who fed back how impactful the text message he received after giving blood was, detailing where his blood was going. He was in no doubt he was making a difference.”

Father of one Jean-Paul Wam, 44, was among visitors yesterday.

“Giving blood is just one thing we can do for others and I’m glad I’ve had the test and signed up today,” he said.