An employee of Birmingham-based adi Group is playing his part in the fight against COVID-19 after successfully donating vital plasma to the NHS. It is thought the contribution may help save the lives of those infected with the virus.
Mark Hawkins, who works at multi-disciplinary engineering firm adi Group in Birmingham, was diagnosed with COVID-19 shortly after developing symptoms on April 19.
As his wife worked for the NHS, he was tested within 24 hours, before successfully recovering and returning to work on April 27.
However, his return was not before making the decision to donate his plasma, which may contain vital antibodies that Mark’s immune system produced when fighting the virus.
“Like most people, I was really pleased with the way in which NHS staff cared for myself and so many over this difficult time.
“I wanted to donate blood plasma after seeing they needed it to help with medicines for future, so when they rang and asked, it was an easy decision to make.”
The adi Group’s strategic account director James Sopwith said Mark’s donation was one of underlying dedication:
“Mark’s contribution highlights passion, commitment and fundamental strength, something which we have all had to rely on through these difficult times.
“They are also values that underpin our ethos here at adi Group, so we couldn’t be prouder of his decision, as well as his speedy recovery from COVID-19.”
So far, over 118,000 people have agreed to donate to the convalescent plasma programme, with two clinical trials currently underway to confirm the safety and effectiveness of potential transfusions.
To find out if you can donate plasma in the fight against COVID-19, visit https://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/covid-19-research/plasma-programme/.