Man, 70, Has Used His Rare Blood Type, Which Only About 2% of Donors Have, to Help NICU Babies Since He Was 18

**Local Hero Continues to Make a Difference with Lifesaving Blood Donations**

Nigel Vaughan, a 70-year-old resident of Blackpool, has dedicated much of his life to donating blood, having done so nearly 250 times. Vaughan’s journey into the world of blood donation began unexpectedly at the age of 16 during a murder investigation in the 1970s, when he discovered he had a rare blood type that could significantly assist vulnerable infants.

While Vaughan was not connected to the crime being investigated, he learned that he possessed B-negative blood, also known as NEO blood. This rare type accounts for only about 2% of the blood donor population in the UK, making it highly sought after for specific medical situations, particularly for newborns in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

Newborns receiving blood transfusions must receive donations that do not contain cytomegalovirus (CMV), a virus that many adults carry, which can pose a severe risk to infants with compromised immune systems. Fortunately for Vaughan, his blood is CMV-negative, rendering it particularly valuable for these delicate patients.

After learning of the potential impact of his blood type, Vaughan began actively donating at the age of 18. His commitment has resulted in an astonishing total of around 250 donations over the decades. He believes that since each donation can help multiple recipients, he has likely aided around 500 people throughout his life.

“I’m going to keep doing it until they tell me to stop,” Vaughan stated, reflecting on his enduring commitment to this noble cause. His dedication is not merely a personal mission; it is also rooted in family tradition, as his mother was also a regular blood donor. Her inspiration played a crucial role in shaping Vaughan’s values about giving back to the community.

Vaughan recalls accompanying his mother to blood donation sessions during his childhood, which left a lasting impression on him. Their shared experience and his mother’s act of kindness profoundly influenced his decision to start donating blood as soon as he was able to.

In addition to his blood donation efforts, Vaughan has contributed to his community as a volunteer emergency responder with St. John Ambulance. His dual commitment to both blood donation and emergency response highlights his unwavering dedication to helping those in need.

Vaughan takes pride in the fact that his family continues the legacy of blood donation, as both his daughter and daughter-in-law have also taken up the mantle. “Knowing my blood can go to babies is quite special,” he remarked. “It’s great to know I’m passing on the blood donation baton, just like my mum before me.”

The impact of individuals like Nigel Vaughan cannot be understated. Blood donations are a critical component of medical care, particularly for those in life’s most vulnerable stages. As Vaughan continues to donate, he serves as a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make in the lives of many.

The NHS Blood and Transplant service, which coordinates blood collection and distribution in the UK, has been informed about Vaughan’s exceptional contributions. The organisation frequently encourages those eligible to consider donating blood, particularly those with rare blood types like Vaughan’s, as there is always a continuous demand for blood supplies in hospitals across the country.

In a world where medical needs are often unpredictable, Vaughan’s commitment to donating blood remains steadfast. His story is a compelling illustration of altruism and the vital role that individuals play in supporting their communities through acts of kindness.