Dundee parents Kerry and Adam Larmour have encouraged more people to give others the chance of life after their baby son received a critical blood transfusion and Kerry also needed a vital donation.
Little Joel Jack was born prematurely at just 27 weeks, weighing just one-and-a-half pounds. After a difficult pregnancy Kerry (27), who is a nurse, gave birth by emergency caesarian due to severe pre-eclampsia and then suffered a life-threatening post-op bleed.
Joel was taken into the special care unit and was given eight units of red cells to save his life and ensure his survival. Kerry was rushed into theatre, where she needed three units of blood.
With personal experience of the importance of blood donations, Kerry said, “Thanks to blood donors and staff at the special care baby unit both Joel and I received the treatment we needed.
“I dread to think what would have happened if the blood had not been available. Maybe neither of us would be here today?
“We finally got Joel home on March 8 10 days after his actual due date of February 25 and, although he still only weighed 5lb 9oz, to us he is our tiny superhero.
“He is now developing really well and, although we were able to thank the staff who delivered him and looked after us both, we could never personally thank the blood donors. Hopefully donors out there will hear our thanks today.”
Adam (28), who works in the Robertson Facilities Management team at Craigowl Primary, added his thanks to the staff who heard their plea and also donated.
It is Blood Donor Week and anyone who has not donated blood before has been asked to step forward. The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) says it needs 65,000 new donors to come forward this year.To register as a blood donor or to find out where your nearest donation session is visit www.scotblood.co.uk.