17/11/2025
When it comes to donation, Tara is a triple threat! 💪
That’s because she has successfully given blood, stem cells, and plasma in her time as a committed donor.
🩸 Tara started giving blood aged 17. She saw a poster on the way home from college and thought: ‘I’m healthy – I could do that.’
Accompanied by her mum to the appointment, Tara’s first donation went perfectly. Lots more followed!
Tara says: “The actual giving blood part was quick and efficient, and I was well looked after.
“Giving blood became a habit I built into my lifestyle.”
In the summer of 2024, Tara donated her stem cells to a blood cancer patient, through the charity DKMS UK.
The donation was via peripheral blood stem cell collection - a process that involves medication being injected to stimulate stem cell growth and then collection on an apheresis machine.
Reflecting on the experience, Tara, who works as an Early Years Practitioner, says: “Being chosen as a match felt special and humbling.
"Months later, receiving a thank-you letter from the patient was incredibly moving.
“They are now recovering and returning to normal life. This fills me with pride, knowing my donation gave someone hope and a second chance."
Tara has since given plasma at Reading Donor Centre, marking her third type of donation. 💙
As Tara’s story shows, there are many ways donors can help save lives.
“However you choose to donate, it’s the most worthwhile thing you’ll ever do,” says Tara.
“The gift of life is priceless, after all, we never know when we may need to rely on a stranger’s help in the future.”
