Woman from 1960s Blood Donor Film Appeals for More Donors

An individual whose life was preserved during infancy in the 1940s through “revolutionary” blood transfusions has issued a plea for additional blood donors to come forward before the Christmas period. Maggie Hackney, born Brooker, aged 76, residing in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, entered the world in 1948 afflicted with Rhesus disease. Hospital staff performed an urgent baptism, anticipating she would not live. During her teenage years in the 1960s, Ms. Hackney participated in a film designed to encourage blood donation. She stated: “I will never be able to thank the NHS blood service enough for giving me a chance of survival as a newborn baby.” Ms. Hackney recounted: “I was told I was one of the first recipients of an exchange blood transfusion – and that it was revolutionary at the time.” She added, “Even today, you can still see the scars on my wrists and ankles.” Subsequently, Ms. Hackney pursued careers as a dental surgery assistant and a fitness instructor, and has served as a voluntary ambassador for the National Blood Service. At the age of 17, Ms. Hackney was featured in a film titled The Givers, which was produced with the aim of promoting blood donation. NHS Blood and Transplant has launched a new film that depicts Ms. Hackney viewing the original footage from the 1960s. She commented: “Watching the film after nearly 60 years was amazing, including seeing my mum.” She continued, “I remember the filming as if it were yesterday – it was at the local swimming pool. I was really nervous. “I went to the cinema on more than one occasion to watch myself!”” She further stated: “I’d like to give a huge thank you to all the blood donors past and present.” She concluded her appeal by saying: “People take it for granted that there will always be a supply of blood if any of their loved ones might need it. But it’s only there if people choose to give.” Dr. Lise Estcourt, who serves as the medical director for blood transfusion at NHS Blood and Transplant, indicated that the service is currently under an amber alert due to a substantial deficit in blood supplies. Dr. Estcourt remarked: “It was an honour to show Maggie this film again after nearly 60 years. “While many things have changed, two things haven’t – the generosity of people who donate blood and the fact that it saves lives.” She concluded, “You could even help someone young grow up to live a full life, just like Maggie.” For updates on Beds, Herts, and Bucks news, follow BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.