Hobart family urging public to donate blood during festive season

Tasmanian mum Georgia McGrath knows the importance of rolling up your sleeve to give blood after her own child was nursed to health by lifesaving donations. Her message to people over Christmas.

Cath Stone Executive Director of Donor Services of Lifeblood addresses the media during a press conference in Frankston, Melbourne, Wednesday, May 6, 2020. Lifeblood has announced it will start collecting convalescent plasma to aid the fight against COVID-19. (AAP Image/James Ross) NO ARCHIVING

Hobart mother Georgia McGrath gained a new perspective on blood donation after a lifesaving platelet treatment for her newborn Tully.

“I was a regular donator before my pregnancy, but it definitely gives you a different perspective on how vital it really is,” she said.

When little Tully came into the world in December last year, he was the perfect first child of parents Georgia and Matt.

However, doctors soon realised that Tully was very ill with a low white blood cell count, leading him to spend his first week of life in the neonatal intensive care unit at the Royal Hobart Hospital.

Tully McGrath was sick as a newborn and required blood platelets to save his life. Picture: supplied.

“We were never prepared for anything like that,” Ms McGrath said.

“Tully needed two blood platelet treatments before doctors saw any sign of improvements – the doctors originally thought one would be enough.”

While Tully is now healthy and happy, celebrating his first birthday on Monday, parents Matt and Georgia both realise how crucial blood donations are to keep people like Tully alive.

Matt also just booked in for a donation before Christmas.

It is this time of year when Australian Red Cross Lifeblood see a rise in the demand for blood, with 30 extra donors needed each day in Tasmanian between December 18 and January 2 to ensure supplies don’t dry up.

Tully McGrath, who turned one this week, after lifesaving blood platelet treatment. Picture: supplied.

Lifeblood Executive Director of Donor Experience Cath Stone said stories like Tully’s are another reason to roll up a sleeve and give blood or plasma this festive season, including Lifeblood’s annual Christmas Blood Blitz launched on Wednesday.

“People of all ages will rely on blood and blood products in the coming weeks including those with immune conditions and cancer, trauma patients, and women having babies,” she said.

“It is vital to have a constant stream of donors to ensure patient needs are met.

“We know it’s a busy time of year and people may be travelling or simply out of their everyday routines, but the most meaningful item you can put on your Christmas “to-do” list today is to lock in a blood or plasma donation and keep it.”

To book a donation, call 13 14 95, book online at lifeblood.com.au or on the DonateBlood app.