A Newcastle business referral group whose philosophy is “givers gain” has given its most important commitment ever by pledging to help save other people’s lives.
Members of the Surtees Chapter of BNI (Business Networking International) decided to donate blood platelets after hearing a talk by nurse, Tandy Pickering of Newcastle’s National Blood Service Centre.
Platelets are disc shaped fragments in the blood, formed in bone marrow and designed to stop bleeding and bruising. Most of the platelets are given to patients whose bone marrow has stopped functioning properly, often due to the chemotherapy they are receiving for cancer or leukaemia.
Nurse Tandy explained how critical the group’s donations of platelets would be.
“One platelet donation taking about an hour of your time can save the lives of three adults or 12 babies. There are only about 14,000 donors nationwide so everyone who helps is really making a massive difference to someone’s life.”
BNI member Peter Hogg who is an insurance specialist has been donating platelets for a number of years.
“I was already a blood donor and heard how critical it was to have a good supply of platelets available for people who were really ill. The procedure is really simple and not at all painful. Basically blood is taken from my arm and a machine extracts the platelets for use by others. It takes about an hour and the nurses really look after me. I use the time to relax and catch up with my reading “
Another of Peter’s colleagues at BNI, Mansel Weatherall has also been donating and the pair are confident that more members will give up their platelets to help others too.
“BNI was founded on the principle that if you help me to get business, I’ll help you too. This is taking that philosophy a step further by helping people to survive terrible diseases and conditions. It is very worthwhile and I’d recommend any one to take that first step by contacting the National Blood Service,” said Peter.
Surtees Chapter of BNI meets every Wednesday morning at The Picture and Piano on Newcastle’s Quayside. More information from Lynley Robb at lynley@bni-northumbria.com.
For platelet donations ring the National Blood Service 0191 2194400
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More info from Keith Newman Highlights PR 07814 397951
Photo Peter and Nurse Tandy
