Helen Pritchard, one of our dedicated Involvement & Engagement panellists, shared her story with us “I started to give blood when I was at university and have encouraged all my children to do the same. However, in 2021, I received a cancer diagnosis and spent that year in treatment. Although I’m currently fit and well, I was disappointed to discover that my donating days are over.
Being on the Involvement and Engagement Panel means a lot to me as it is my new way of continuing to give to the Welsh Blood Service. I’ve taken part in one online session so far, discussing how blood products are stored. I was initially slightly apprehensive, thinking that I knew nothing about the subject, but I needn’t have worried! The explanations were so clear, and the leaders and other panel members were very friendly. I ended up not only being able to contribute but also learning a lot. I’m looking forward to my next opportunity and would thoroughly recommend the experience.”
