ZF employee’s journey as a platelet donor

Justin Thorpe, a service co-ordinator within ZF’s commercial vehicle team in Nottingham, has been making a profound impact through his commitment to blood and platelet donation.
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Thorpe had always wanted to donate blood but never found the right moment. In 2021, amid the pandemic, he decided it was time to take action. Encouraged by his colleagues at ZF who were already donors, he signed up and began his journey as a blood donor.

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After regularly donating blood, Thorpe noticed advertisements about the critical need for platelet donors. Given that only those with ‘A’ negative blood type in the UK can donate platelets, and knowing these donations can save the lives of children with leukaemia and cancer, he decided to step up. In 2022, Thorpe started donating platelets and plasma.
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Thorpe says his drive to become a donor stems from a desire to give back: “Everyone expects these resources to be available if you or your family need them, so if you can help, why wouldn’t you?”
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He believes in the importance of more people becoming donors: “If you’re considering being a donor, just know that an hour of your time can save multiple lives. Platelet donations are always in short supply, and you can donate more often than whole blood.”

While only those with ‘A’ negative blood type can donate platelets in the UK, this is not the case in Ireland. Click here to find out if you’re eligible.