Blood donation appeal by survivor Annie

An architect from Aberdeenshire who survived losing five litres of blood and having to undergo an emergency hysterectomy 36 weeks into her pregnancy has launched a “Pledge a Pint” campaign to help save others like her.

Annie Kenyon, whose self-titled architecture firm is based near Huntly, was rushed to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary when she began haemorrhaging and going into labour.

She lost 80% of her blood, but her life was saved by a transfusion.

And incredibly, earlier this month, Annie and her husband Duncan celebrated their son Johnny Mac’s second birthday. To mark the significant anniversary of the birth and her transfusion, and to coincide with World Blood Donation Day today, her campaign aims to get 100 people to donate a pint of blood.

Annie said: “I had a difficult pregnancy and at my 16-week scan, I was put on ‘serious alert’ and warned that I might need a blood transfusion.

“When I was rushed to hospital I received numerous packs of donated blood – if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t be here today to live my life with my beautiful family.

“I want to do something to recognise the fabulous volunteers who give their time to donate to help people they’ll never meet.”

When the nation was plunged into lockdown, giving blood was one of the very few activities everyone was still actively encouraged to leave the house for.

And it is inspiring stories like Annie Kenyon’s survival against the odds after suffering a lifethreatening haemorrhage during her pregnancy that underline just why such a rare exception was made.

Donation centre staff worked tirelessly to reassure the public that it was still safe to attend – and donors responded in fantastic numbers to help keep stocks replenished.

Now, as the NHS starts increasingly to turn its gaze towards the backlog of non-Covid conditions that need treatment, it is more important than ever to keep up stocks.

And, on the day we celebrate all those who make the system work, there is even better news that the pool of potential donors has been significantly expanded.

Ending the effective ban on many gay and bisexual men on the basis of their sexuality is a welcome step and a win not just for those no longer unfairly discriminated against but for everyone single one of us.

We encourage everyone to “Pledge a Pint” and maybe save a life.

Annie Kenyon with husband Duncan and baby son Johnny Mac.