08
Dec
Kirkby Malzeard tractor crash survivor urges people to give blood to save lives
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A Kirkby Malzeard woman who suffered life-changing injuries when a tractor hit her near Ripley has urged people to donate blood to save lives.
Lucie Maguire, 24, had her right leg amputated after she was hit by a tractor in a horror crash in January 2021.
She was on her way home from her job as an apprentice nursery worker and had been trying to help her mum, whose car had broken down and filled with smoke, when she was hit by the oncoming vehicle.
Lucie survived thanks to 12 units of lifesaving O negative blood immediately after the accident, and more during subsequent surgeries.
O negative is known as the universal type as it can be given in emergencies when a person’s blood type is unknown.
Lucie with her family and friends at hospital.
Lucie said those who donated blood saved her life on the day of the horrific crash.
She said:
In the moments after my accident I had no idea how bad my injuries were. My leg just felt uncomfortable and wet. I thought it was water but when the paramedics moved me I saw a big puddle of blood.
The ambulance crew were incredible. But there were 12 other people who saved my life that night - the blood donors. Without the transfusions at the scene I would not have survived the journey to hospital. Blood donors are the first responders you don’t see.
The NHS is appealing for more O negative, B negative and Ro donors to make an appointment to donate in the lead up to and over the festive period.
Lucie Maguire with her mum.
Lucie, who spent 18 months in Leeds General Infirmary and needed blood on several more occasions, has urged people to donate blood to the health service.
She said:
I needed blood during my amputation surgery, skin graft and other operations. There were times I’d be feeling unwell on the ward because of low haemoglobin, and I’d need a transfusion which was at least two bags of blood each time.
I wouldn’t be alive today without blood donors. When you go through a lot of treatment like I have it really opens your eyes to how important blood donation is and how amazing those people who give blood are.
There are around 71,000 appointments available at donor centres and community sessions between now and the start of January. Teams across the country collect blood every day of the year apart from Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Gerry Gogarty, director of blood supply for NHS Blood and Transplant, said:
Blood donations are critical to saving lives after traumatic injury. For Lucie, transfusions not only ensured she survived her accident but were also vital in her ongoing treatment, demonstrating some of the many ways that donors save and improve lives every day.
It is wonderful to hear about Lucie’s recovery and we are grateful to her and her family for raising awareness of blood donation. Right now the NHS needs new and existing donors to come forward and fill appointments to help blood stocks during the crucial festive period.
We especially need more O negative, B negative and Ro donations. Please book an appointment for the coming weeks and help ensure that patients like Lucie can continue to receive the lifesaving blood they need.
For more information on how to give blood, visit the NHS website here.
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