Give blood, urges family of cancer girl

THE family of a toddler with leukaemia yesterday urged people to give blood, after predictions of a 20 per cent drop in donations because of the football World Cup and summer holidays.

A total of 5,000 blood donations are needed in Scotland every week, but the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service said numbers may plummet when the World Cup is on.

The number of people donating blood drops off during the summer, when good weather, major sports events and leisure activity mean donors can be too busy.

To highlight the issue around 100 people formed a "human blood drop" in Glasgow, with three-year-old Niamh Logan taking her place at the tip.

Niamh had persistent colds and coughs from the age of 18 months and when her health deteriorated she was sent to Yorkhill Sick Children's Hospital in Glasgow. Doctors there diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. She started chemotherapy last Easter and has received several transfusions of blood and platelets, a component of blood that helps prevent bleeding, to counter the effect of the therapy.

John Logan snr, Niamh's grandfather, has a similar form of cancer, multiple myeloma. He also has regular transfusions of blood and platelets because of his chemotherapy.

Niamh's father, John Logan, said: "Niamh has been so brave when facing gruelling treatment.

"We're here with her today to thank all the blood and platelet donors who have helped make her treatment possible."

While he said his daughter was still receiving treatment – she had her 17th "lumbar puncture" procedure in Yorkhill Hospital last week – he added: "Niamh's future now looks bright, and as a family we are hopeful we are over the worst."

Mr Logan said that his daughter's battle against her cancer had inspired him to give blood.

"Watching how important transfusions were to her recovery made me determined to help and I now give platelets at Glasgow Donor Centre each month," he said.

"Niamh celebrated her third birthday last week and, thanks to blood donors, our darling little girl was able to have the wonderful birthday she deserves."

Dr Moira Carter, national donor services manager for the transfusion service, said: "Today launches a full week of intense activity to highlight the importance of giving blood at least once a year.

"We ask that you join a life-saving team by giving blood.

"Remember, each donation can score a vital hat-trick by helping save the life of three people."