Boy who lost seven litres of blood issues plea for more donors – The Irish News
Elliott Wills, a 13-year-old from Cornwall, survived the loss of seven litres of blood—three times his circulatory volume—after a main artery burst following surgery. He was saved by emergency supplies of O negative blood and is now calling for more donors to support those with rare blood types.
How did a 13-year-old survive losing seven litres of blood?
Elliott Wills underwent surgery last October to remove his spleen and gall bladder due to complications from a virus. While the procedure initially went well, a main artery burst afterward, leading to a massive hemorrhage.
A team of 20 medical staff spent three hours fighting to save the teenager. He was bleeding donated blood as fast as it could be transfused into his body.
Ultimately, Elliott received 23 units of blood, totaling seven litres. He was saved by emergency supplies of O negative blood, a universal type that can be given to any patient.
Why are rare blood types like B negative critical?
Elliott lives with spherocytosis, an inherited disorder that affects red blood cells and can cause severe anaemia. Because he has a rare B negative blood type, he requires regular transfusions to maintain his health.
The availability of these specific types is declining. According to NHS Blood and Transplant, the number of regular donors with O negative and B negative blood has dropped 5% since 2020.
Currently, around 107,000 people regularly donate O negative blood. This figure is approximately 6,000 fewer than it was six years ago.
What happens next for Elliott and the NHS blood supply?
After spending three days in an induced coma and three weeks recovering in the hospital, Elliott has returned to school and is playing football with friends. He is preparing to celebrate his 14th birthday on June 29.
Elliott is now using his recovery to urge others to donate. He noted that his mother, Gill, also required significant amounts of blood following major spinal surgery in March.
Gerry Gogarty, director of blood supply for NHS Blood and Transplant, stated that the NHS needs more donors to help patients like Elliott. New donors with O negative, B negative, and Ro blood are especially needed.
Potential donors may not know their blood type, but they will find out after their first donation. Registering and booking an appointment is a possible next step for those looking to provide “the gift of life.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is spherocytosis?
It is an inherited condition that affects the red blood cells and can cause severe anaemia.
How much blood did Elliott Wills lose during his emergency?
He lost seven litres of blood, receiving 23 units of transfusions.
Which blood types are currently most needed by the NHS?
While all donations are vital, the NHS specifically needs new donors with O negative, B negative, and Ro blood.
Would you be willing to donate blood if you discovered you had a rare blood type?