Family and friends unite to give blood in memory of Manchester teen who loved to help others
More than 70 family members and friends of a 14-year-old girl from Greater Manchester who sadly died from acute liver failure gave blood in her memory at an emotional donation session held at the school she attended.
Maisie Almond from Stalybridge fell ill suddenly in September 2024 and was listed for a liver transplant. A donor match was found for Maisie but tragically she became too weak to undergo the transplant, and she passed away on 2 October 2024.
The Maisie Moo's Missions foundation
Maisie’s parents Kathryn and Stuart have set up the Maisie Moo's Missions foundation in her name to support causes that were close to their daughter’s heart, including blood and organ donation. Maisie received blood while she was in hospital and would have needed transfusions during the transplant operation.
After being inundated with messages from people inspired by Maisie's story to give blood, they worked with NHS Blood and Transplant to set up the session held at All Saints Catholic College in Dukinfield where Maisie was a pupil.
Kathryn, a former school business manager, said: "Maisie was the happiest, kindest, most positive person. She was always smiling, always chatting. Just a ray of sunshine.
"Instead of having a Saturday morning lie-in like other teenagers, she’d be up and out, volunteering at Willow Wood charity shop in Hyde. She loved to help people.
"Maisie fell ill out of the blue. She was an inspiration to us all with the way she faced her illness with courage and dignity.
"Her loss is unimaginable. But through Maisie Moo's Missions we are dedicated to making a difference for others in Maisie's name and making sure her light continues to shine.
"Although a liver match tragically came too late for Maisie, she would have needed multiple transfusions during the transplant operation. And donated blood was a crucial part of her treatment. So, a group donation felt like a fitting 'Maisie Moo's Mission' and hosting it at her school was incredibly poignant."
Friends of Maisie's 18-year-old brother George and her former teachers were among the 73 people who donated at the session. More than half were first-time donors.
Kathryn said: "It was an emotional day but so, so uplifting. We were thrilled at how many young people in particular donated. A few told me they were nervous but the blood donation team were amazing and put everyone at ease.
"So many people who gave blood for the first time came up to us afterwards to say they were now a donor for life. We couldn't ask for a better legacy for our giving, kind-hearted Maisie."
Kathryn, Stuart and George were unable to donate on the day due to recent international travel but plan to do so after the deferral period. The family hope that this will be the first of many blood donation sessions supported by Maisie Moo’s Missions.
Right now, the NHS is urgently appealing to donors to make an appointment to donate. Donations often drop over bank holiday weekends, and with a late Easter this year, four bank holidays falling across six weeks could put stocks at risk unless enough donors come forward.
Daniel Cooper, NHS Blood and Transplant Assistant Director for Blood Donation Operations, said:
"It is wonderful to see how many people have been inspired by Maisie's story to give blood, many of whom were donating for the first time.
"Because each donation can help save the lives of up to three people, more than 200 lives have been saved and improved in Maisie's memory. We are thankful to Kathryn, Stuart and George for their incredible support.
"The need for blood never stops. Whether you are an existing or first-time donor, please book an appointment to donate now and help the NHS over the critical Easter and May bank holiday period and beyond.”
Why we need your help
Currently England remains in an Amber alert for low blood stocks, so it is important that enough donors step forward now to keep blood in good supply of blood and platelets to hospitals.
People with O negative and B negative blood types are particularly needed right now. There remains an ongoing need for more donors of Black heritage to help patients with sickle cell disease who need ethnically matched blood.
Hospitals across England need over 5,000 blood donations every day to ensure they have the blood they need to treat patients for wide variety of reasons – from traumatic injuries or accidents, cancer treatments, sickle cell disease and childbirth. However, blood has a shelf life of 35 days and platelets only seven days, so it’s vital stocks are constantly replenished.
How you can help
Across the country there are still thousands of appointments available to fill over coming weeks, with greatest availability at permanent donor centres.
You can book an appointment through our website or call 0300 123 23 23 to find your nearest session. Platelets can be donated at any NHS Blood and Transplant dedicated centre, including both Manchester donor centres - at Norfolk House and Plymouth Grove.