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Vicki's Story as a Regular Blood Donor

June 14 - World Blood Donor Day. A bag of blood and two smiling cartoon drops of blood. Vector illustration

Vicki Bean, our Head of Market Development has been with HUC for just over four years now and has been a pivotal part of our Commercial Team. However, her commitment to an important cause extends well beyond her professional role. Vicki is a dedicated blood donor, giving blood as often as she is allowed – every four months.

What motivates Vicki to roll up her sleeve time and again? In her own words, “It’s a small thing I can do that can make a big difference!” While her first donation experience was a bit nerve-wracking, as it often is for first-timers, the fantastic staff quickly put her at ease. With the reassuring attitude of “if others can do this, so can I,” Vicki realised there was nothing to worry about.

These days, donating blood is simply part of Vicki’s routine. With numerous donation sites offering flexible appointment options, she always finds a time that fits her schedule. Vicki is passionate about clearing up common misconceptions, assuring others that having tattoos or piercings doesn’t disqualify you and that the experience is virtually painless and efficient.

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Why does Vicki feel it's so important for more people to become donors?

The staggering statistics speak for themselves – on average, 4,300 blood donations are needed every single day to meet the needs of hospitals across the nation. As Vicki says, “You can only do it 3 times per year maximum and if you think that 4,300 blood donations are needed on average every day…it really is so important!”

Interestingly, Vicki’s blood type of B Positive makes her donation even more valuable. Since only around 8% of the population shares this blood type, it is often used to treat people with sickle cell disorder, thalassemia, and even new-born babies. The feeling of knowing her donation can save up to 3 lives with each visit is, in Vicki’s words, “just amazing!”

For anyone thinking of becoming a donor, Vicki’s advice is simple: “Don’t think twice – just do it!” Thanks to dedicated donors like Vicki, this practice continues saving countless lives each day.