"Plasma is transforming lives and saving lives like mine"

One day in 2021, Gary Khan found that he could no longer walk downstairs. He couldn’t brush his teeth or cut his own food. He was, in his own words, “at his lowest point.” That was until he received a course of medicine made from donated plasma he says was “like a miracle.”

Gary fell ill in 2020, going from pins and needles to joint pain, and from cycling frequently to being unable even to stand up.

A rare disease known as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy was causing his immune system to attack his nervous system. The muscle weakness and loss of sensory function in his legs and arms left Gary, a musician, unable to work.

Then, it left him paralysed.

With Gary’s situation dire and treatment not working, he needed a miracle.

It was suggested that Gary try a 5-day course of immunoglobulin – a medicine made from donated plasma. It was just what Gary needed.

“I could stand up on my own two legs again, overnight,” says Gary. “It was like a miracle.”

Plasma makes up around 55% of your blood and carries platelets, red blood cells and white blood cells around the body. It also contains antibodies, known as immunoglobulins, which can be made into medicines to help people whose immune systems aren’t working as they should be.

Donated plasma makes unique, life-saving medicines that help to treat over 50 different diseases.

“Taking the medicine was like flicking a trip switch,” says Gary. “The illness caused a lot of deterioration, but I have been doing rehab and now have very few problems.

“Donated plasma is transforming lives and saving lives, in some cases. There’s just not enough of it.

"I applaud the people who don’t have a personal interest who just go and donate anyway.”

More plasma donations are needed to help people like Gary.

To book an appointment to donate at one of our three plasma donor centres, please visit blood.co.uk/plasma.