Family of 14-year-old unite to give blood

Maisie Almond tragically died in October 2024 at just 14 years old while waiting for a liver transplant.

Maisie received blood in hospital which has inspired her family to work with the NHS to host a dedicated blood donor session.

The session comes as the NHS has issued a call for donors with four upcoming bank holidays in just six weeks puts blood stocks under extra pressure.

Over 70 family and friends of Maisie gave blood in her memory at a donation session held at the school she attended.

Maisie Almond, from Stalybridge, fell ill suddenly in September of 2024.

She was then listed for a liver transplant and a donor match was found, but sadly Maisie became too weak to undergo the transplant and she passed away from acute liver failure in October 2024.

Maisie’s parents Kathryn and Stuart have set up Maisie Moo’s Missions foundation to support causes that were close to their daughter’s heart, including blood and organ donation.

Her parents were inundated with messages from people who were inspired by Maisie’s story and wanted to give blood, so they worked with the NHS Blood and Transplant to set up the donation session at All Saints Catholic College in Dukinfield.

Maisie Almond Credit: NHS Blood and Transplant 

Maisie’s mum Kathryn said: “Maisie was the happiest, kindest, most positive person. She was always smiling, always chatting. Just a ray of sunshine.

“Instead of having a Saturday morning lie-in like other teenagers, she’d be up and out, volunteering at Willow Wood charity shop in Hyde. She loved to help people.

“Although a liver match tragically came too late for Maisie, she would have needed multiple transfusions during the transplant operation. And donated blood was a crucial part of her treatment.”

Amongst the 73 people who donated during the session were friends of Maisie’s older brother George and her former teachers.

More than half the people at the session were first-time donors.

Kathryn and Stuart with Maisie and their son George Credit: NHS Blood and Transplant 

Kathryn said: “It was an emotional day but so, so uplifting. We were thrilled at how many young people in particular donated.

“So many people who gave blood for the first time came up to us afterwards to say they were now a donor for life. We couldn’t ask for a better legacy for our giving, kind-hearted Maisie.”

The family hope this will be the first of many blood donation sessions supported by Maisie Moo’s Missions.

The NHS is urgently appealing to donors to make an appointment to donate.

Over bank holiday weekends donations often drop, and with a late Easter, four bank holidays end up falling across six weeks, which could put stocks at risk unless enough donors come forward.

Daniel Cooper, NHS Blood and Transplant Assistant Director for Blood Donation Operations, said: “It is wonderful to see how many people have been inspired by Maisie’s story to give blood, many of whom were donating for the first time.

“Because each donation can help save the lives of up to three people, more than 200 lives have been saved and improved in Maisie’s memory. We are thankful to Kathryn, Stuart and George for their incredible support.

“The need for blood never stops. Whether you are an existing or first-time donor, please book an appointment to donate now and help the NHS over the critical Easter and May bank holiday period and beyond.”

England is currently in amber alert for low blood stocks.

Hospitals across England need over 5,000 blood donations every day to ensure they have the blood they need to treat patients however, blood only has a shelf life of 35 days and platelets only seven days, meaning it’s vital that stocks are constantly replenished.

To book an appointment visit www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 2323 to find your nearest session.