Alex Elbro

I can’t remember whether it was 1983 or 1984 that I started donating, but I know my first blood donation was near home in south-west London. I was really keen to start giving blood as soon as I was eligible, and my mum came along at the same time and we gave blood together. It was definitely before October 1984 because that’s when I went off to Manchester for university as an 18-year-old.

I kept giving blood in different parts of the country, only stopping temporarily when I had my two children in 1994 and 1997.

In my 30s, I joined the bone marrow register after a friend had been diagnosed with leukaemia – it felt like a way to do something positive in a situation that no one wants to be in.

Only a few months later I was contacted as I was a potential donor for someone. After several tests, it was agreed that I was a good match and I was asked to go to London to donate my stem cells at King’s College Hospital.

(Picture: Alex has been visiting Cambridge Donor Centre for around 20 years)

My mum came with me again, this time with my husband staying in Cambridge to look after our two boys, and I ended up being there for two days, in order to get enough yield, but I felt honoured to be able to do it.

Just as I was leaving the hospital in London on the second day, a courier arrived with a parcel for me. Inside was a beautiful wind charm sent as a gift from the anonymous recipient. I was really touched and still have it hanging in my office, it makes me smile every time I see it.

I was a teacher at the time and the school gave me the two days off for the donation, and when I received a certificate in recognition they insisted I put it up in the classroom.

After a few more blood donations, I started looking into platelets, as I had a high count. I find it so easy and all the staff are so friendly it’s like visiting old friends each time I go.

I’ve probably been going to the donor centre in Cambridge for about 20 years now! I’m also an HDD donor which is even more exciting as apparently my platelets can be used for newborn babies.

When my eldest son was old enough he started donating blood too, as does my husband, who turns out has a rare blood type, B negative, so they are always keen for him to come in.

I’m up to 203 donation credits and always trying to spread the word.

Maybe that’s in my nature as I’m now a radio presenter and recently, after seeing one of my posts from the donor centre, a young friend of mine donated blood for the first time. She messaged me the confirmation of her second appointment too.