From small acts to lifesaving impact: Paramedic makes 200th blood and plasma donation

When paramedic Stephanie Sherry rolled up her sleeve for her 200th blood donation this week, she marked more than just a personal milestone. She celebrated a family legacy of lifesaving generosity.

Between Stephanie, her mum Ruth and her dad Ralph, the incredible Sherry family has donated blood an astounding 500 times. That’s enough to help save or improve the lives of up to 1,500 people according to Lifeblood(opens in a new window), and that number continues to grow with every donation.

So, how does someone get started on such an impressive journey?

“Mum was a nurse and always donated, and dad always donated too. One day when I was 16, they took us kids and told us to have a go,” Stephanie said.

This was back when the donation age had not yet been lifted to 18.

“My parents had been donating for a while even though there was no personal connection, but they just wanted to help.”

Over the years, Stephanie’s regular appointments have become a routine task that comes with the bonus of saving lives.

Her commitment hasn’t gone unnoticed either. Inspired by her enthusiasm, a few friends have joined Stephanie in her donation efforts, making the routine a social one too.

“We used to go every two weeks to donate plasma and then we’d go out for lunch, and we’d choose a different café every time and that was a good way to try new places,” Stephanie said.

“My advice to others is to just go and try it. It’s a good thing to do and we always need blood and blood derivatives like plasma, which we all know especially after working in healthcare.

“A lot of people tell me that they don’t have time, which I completely understand. But donating blood actually gives you the time to sit there and do nothing. And you can’t feel guilty about it because you’re saving lives!”

Of course, no great story is complete without clearing up a few myths; many people worry that donating blood might be dangerous or leave them feeling unwell. In reality, giving blood is a simple, safe, and carefully monitored process. The average donation takes less than 10 minutes, and donors are well looked after with snacks and juice provided post-donation.

And the best part?

Stephanie isn’t stopping any time soon. With a regular schedule of 26 donations a year (a fortnightly plasma donation and blood when stocks are low), she’s sure to keep making a difference for years to come.

So next time you hear a call to donate, think of Stephanie and her 500-strong family legacy, and imagine the three lives that your single donation could help save.