'Fantastic' response to boy's blood donor appeal

The number of people offering blood donations has gone up after a television appeal involving a four-year-old Hull boy.

Isaac has a genetic condition known as Spherocytosis, which requires blood transfusions every 12 weeks and he appeared with his mum, Jasmin, on BBC Breakfast on Monday asking for more donors to come forward.

Following the broadcast, the NHS Blood and Transplant unit said it had seen a 200% uplift in calls to its bookings team.

Gerry Gogarty, director of blood supply, said the response had been "fantastic" but added: "We have many more appointments still to fill over the coming days, weeks and months, particularly in major towns and cities."

Jasmin said she was pleased with the impact of the appeal.

"As soon as we came away from the interview I had friends and family messaging me with screenshots that they were trying to sign up to donate blood," she said.

"As a result of the interview there was a 40-minute wait just to get in the queue to get on the site."

Spherocytosis affects the red blood cells, causing severe anaemia.

Isaac describes his regular transfusions as "super hero" blood as they make him feel stronger.

As well as promoting the need for blood donors, Jasmin said their TV appearance had also raised awareness of the condition.

She said there had been a positive responses in online support groups from families with somebody who has Spherocytosis.

"It's something that not a lot of people have ever heard of," she said.

"It's just great to raise awareness of it and signs and symptoms to look for and to get the name over."

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