A teenager who needed seven litres of blood to survive a major medical emergency is calling on the public to help replenish vital supplies. His life was saved by emergency stocks of a universal blood type after a main artery burst during his recovery from surgery.
Life-Saving Transfusion
The 13-year-old required 23 units of blood during a three-hour operation, which is about three times the total amount usually found in a child his size. This urgent appeal comes as health officials reveal that regular donations for two critical blood groups — including the universal type used in emergencies — have dropped by 5% over the last six years.
The young patient, Elliott Wills from Cornwall, has a rare blood group and a lifelong condition affecting his red blood cells that causes severe low iron levels. He suffered a sudden, life-threatening bleed last autumn following an operation to remove his spleen and gall bladder.
Race Against Time
Medical teams fought for three hours to stabilise him while he lost blood as quickly as it was being replaced. "The surgeon said Elliott basically lost all his blood," his father, Phill Wills, 53, said. "It was a race against time to get the donated blood into him. But he was losing that too."
His mother had to wait for news at the family home in Truro with his younger sister due to her own medical issues. "When Elliott's notes said he'd lost seven litres, I thought it was a typo," Phill said. "Surely no one can survive losing that much blood? But Elliott is living proof they can, as long as the vital supplies of donated blood are there."
Recovery and Gratitude
The teenager spent three days in a medically-induced sleep and three weeks in hospital before finally returning home. He is now back at school, enjoying sports with his friends, and preparing to celebrate his upcoming 14th birthday. "Thank you to everyone who gives blood. It helped save my life," Elliott said. "If you are thinking of giving blood, please do. My mummy Gill had major spinal surgery back in March and also needed lots of blood. I'm looking forward to my 14th birthday on June 29, a birthday I didn't think I would have. Thank you, blood donors, for my gift of life."
His father hopes their story will encourage more people to book an appointment at a local clinic. "Elliott is kicking a ball about again, and that is because blood donors gave him a second chance at life. While Elliott was packing his hospital bag, someone out there was donating the blood that would save his life. Donors are heroes, and so are the NHS teams who get the blood from the donor's arm into the veins of a desperately ill patient like Elliott."
Urgent Need for Donors
Health officials state that there are currently around 107,000 regular universal blood donors, which is 6,000 fewer than in 2020. They are urging people to find out their blood group, as certain types are currently in very high demand.
"For Elliott, blood donations not only ensured he survived a life-threatening bleed, but also helped him to manage the blood disorder he lives with," said Gerry Gogarty, director of blood supply for NHS Blood and Transplant. His experiences shine a light on just some of the many ways that donors save and improve lives every day.
"The NHS needs more people to give blood to help people like Elliott. All donations are vital but new donors with O negative, B negative and Ro blood are especially needed. You don't need to know your blood type as you will find out after your first donation. Please register today and book an appointment. You may discover you have one of the 'missing types' that patients need right now."
If you have any questions, call the transfusion service on 0300 123 2323.
