A Birmingham grandfather is urging others to donate plasma after witnessing first-hand how it helped save the life of his granddaughter.
Birmingham Plasma Donor Centre – one of three in England
Paul Barnett, 47, has become a regular plasma donor at the Birmingham Plasma Donor Centre – one of only three dedicated centres in England – after his granddaughter Suraiya received plasma-derived treatment to recover from Kawasaki disease, a rare but serious illness that affects the blood vessels.
Suraiya, now three, was diagnosed after suffering a range of alarming symptoms, including swollen hands, red eyes, nosebleeds and skin rashes. Born prematurely and in and out of the hospital during her early life, her condition required urgent intervention with immunoglobulin infusions – a treatment made possible thanks to plasma donations from people like her grandfather.
“Seeing her as a tiny, poorly baby was heartbreaking,” Paul said. “The treatment she received gave her the chance to become the strong, chatty, kind little girl she is today. I donate plasma in honour of her, so other children and families can get that same chance.”
18 donations
Paul began donating blood in 2022, but after learning how crucial plasma was in his granddaughter’s care, he switched exclusively to plasma donation a year later. Since then, he’s donated 18 times, fitting his visits in around his job as a Business Improvement District (BID) warden in the city centre.
“I walk past the donor centre on my patrol route every day. It’s become part of my routine,” he said. “It only takes about an hour, and I know how important that hour can be to someone else.”
What does plasma do?
Plasma makes up over half of the blood in the human body and contains antibodies that help fight disease. It is used to create medicines for patients with immune deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, and other serious conditions. Immunoglobulins, derived from plasma, were critical in Suraiya’s treatment.
Paul comes from a family of givers. His father was a regular blood donor until he became ineligible, and his mother supports community causes through crafts and school projects. Now, Paul is proudly continuing that legacy – and encouraging others to join him.
His granddaughter has made a full recovery and was given the all-clear from Kawasaki disease in February 2025. “She’s obsessed with playing doctor now,” Paul added. “After all she’s been through, it wouldn’t surprise me if she became one.”
Paul’s actions are commended
Mark Bailey, manager of the Birmingham Plasma Donor Centre, praised Paul’s commitment: “Donors like Paul are the reason we’re able to provide life-saving treatments. His personal story reminds us just how important plasmapheresis is for families across the UK.”
Donors can give plasmapheresis every two weeks, and NHS Blood and Transplant is calling for more people to come forward. Plasma donation takes around 35 minutes, and all donations are used to manufacture vital medicines or provide treatment for patients in critical care.
To register and book an appointment, visit www.blood.co.uk, download the GiveBlood app or call 0300 123 23 23.
