Midlands coronavirus survivor calls for plasma donations to help virus fightback
A West Midlands coronavirus survivors is urging others like him to donate plasma from their blood to help ensure the NHS has enough, amid fears over a second wave.
Health chiefs have launched an appeal to use the antibodies from survivors to potentially help those who are battling the pandemic and are seriously ill.
It comes as people have been urged to remain vigilant in the fight ba coronavirus survivor Darren Buttrick – with people urged to be more cautious and careful.
Mr Buttrick, from Coven, who battled against the pandemic on March 20 at Wolverhampton's New Cross Hospital and was put on a ventilator, issued the warning.
He made it through the ordeal – after being given a 50/50 chance of surviving – and is now helping the drive for a cure through the treatment.
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Mr Buttrick, who has almost fully recovered from coronavirus, urged people to understand the consequences of not following the rules – after nearly dying due to the virus.
He said: "If you look there's virus pockets in Sandwell, in Walsall, in Birmingham, and the increase is across the board really.
"It's disappointing when you see police have broken apart parties and I think it's the younger generation flouting the rules.
"Some will survive because they're young enough, but they might pass it on to their families – their parents, grandparents, relatives – and this is how we're going to spread it, and the NHS will have problems as a result.
"It's really disappointing because we're working towards a vaccine and then the minority can end up causing serious problems for everyone else.
"For me, it's not about me anymore – it's about raising awareness. I know I was very lucky to survive and wherever I can, I'm trying to raise awareness – that's the most important thing.
"If people can be more cautious and careful, it'll be much better for everyone. People need to be more careful and I think about if Birmingham goes into a local lockdown, people will realise their actions."
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has already placed Birmingham on the Government's watchlist as an "Area of Enhanced Support" – with testing ramped up to help curb the spread of the pandemic.
Mr Buttrick, 49, who lives with his wife Angela, twin daughters Freya and Maia and younger daughter Esme, donates at the NHS Birmingham Blood Donor Centre on New Street in the city.
And his latest donation – number six – had one of the highest antibody counts in the UK, leading to healthcare professionals getting him booked in to attend another appointment.
Convalescent plasma – the antibody-rich plasma – is taken from people who have survived, with donations roughly taking around 45 minutes.
He said: "You turn up and they thank you for your donation and say they will be in touch – they told me my antibodies are at a high level.
"The bag of plasma apparently gives three people much-needed antibodies – I've donated six times, so potentially I've helped up to 18 people survive.
"They normally ring you up about a next appointment – now they're trying to get you in two weeks after the last time you donated.
"They wanted to me to come in a build up a stockpile. And I think what they say is that out of every 10 people about six can't donate because they haven't eaten, or are ill, or something like that."
Mr Buttrick joins the likes of Dr Zahid Safraz, from West Bromwich, and Rajeev Verma, from Wolverhampton, who have also donated.
NHS Blood and Transport leaders said there was an "urgent need" for more people in Birmingham – and the surrounding areas – to donate convalescent plasma.
Around 1,150 donations – up to August 20 – have been taken at the centre, with 14 people having received plasma transfusions in the West Midlands.
A spokesman said: "Every new offer to donate is incredibly valuable. We particularly need men to come forwards as they generally have higher antibody levels.
"We urgently need as many people as possible who have recovered to donate. Donations can also be frozen to ensure convalescent plasma is readily available, should there be a rise in infections in the coming weeks.
"Please, help the NHS fight Covid-19 by donating at Birmingham donor centre. You could save lives."
NHS Blood and Transplant's Clinical Trials Unit are working on the plasma trial with RECOVERY and REMAP-CAP.
People who have recovered from coronavirus – or the symptoms – can offer to donate by calling 0300 123 23 23 or completing the webform at nhsbt.nhs.uk
