Thousands of "thank yous"

We hope our donors always feel valued, especially when they reach a donation milestone

With each blood donation having the capacity to save or improve up to three people’s lives, and platelet donations able to help as many as 12 children, it’s hard to thank donors enough for their selflessness.

One way that we try to give a little bit back to donors is with recognition ceremonies.

Donors at a recognition ceremony at Bristol City's Ashton Gate stadium
Donors at a recognition ceremony at Bristol City's Ashton Gate stadium

Between April 2018 and March 2019, we invited nearly 1,200 donors to 22 ceremonies celebrating their achievements and generosity.

Ceremonies are held at venues all over the country and donors and their guests are treated to a meal and speeches from recipients about the positive impact blood donation has had on their lives.

Blood donors are invited after passing the 100-credit mark – no mean feat when you can only give, at most, four times a year – and platelet donors are recognised for having reached 250 credits. ‘Double-dose’ platelet donations earn two, and triple-dose donations three, credits.

Donors outside a ceremony at Oulton Hall, West Yorkshire
Donors outside a ceremony at Oulton Hall, West Yorkshire

Donors who achieve either of these two milestones are awarded with a commemorative medal, badge and certificate. But, of course, every donation can save lives and we offer our thanks for each one – with a cheery ‘thank you’ at the session, thank you messages by email and SMS and, more formally, with the awards we send to donors for reaching milestones at 5, 10, 25, 50, 75 credits and beyond.

You can find more details about how we recognise donors here.

We’re thankful for the generosity of all donors – whether they’ve donated hundreds of times before, or just once.

Every donation counts.