OVER 70 family members and friends of a Stalybridge teenager who died from acute liver failure gave blood in her memory, at an emotional donation session held at the school she attended.
Maisie Almond fell ill suddenly in September 2024 and was listed for a liver transplant. A donor match was found but tragically she became too weak to undergo the transplant and died on October 2, 2024.
Maisie’s parents Kathryn and Stuart set up Maisie Moo’s Missions in her name to support causes that were close to their daughter’s heart, including blood and organ donation.
Maisie received blood while she was in hospital and would have needed transfusions during the transplant operation. After being inundated with messages from people inspired by Maisie’s story to give blood, they worked with NHS Blood and Transplant to set up the session at All Saints Catholic College in Dukinfield, where Maisie was a pupil.
Kathryn, herself a former school business manager, 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.
“Maisie fell ill out of the blue. She was an inspiration to us all with the way she faced her illness with courage and dignity. Her loss is unimaginable but through Maisie Moo’s Missions, we are dedicated to making a difference for others in Maisie’s name and making sure her light continues to shine.
“Donated blood was a crucial part of her treatment. So, a group donation felt like a fitting ‘Maisie Moo’s Mission’ and hosting it at her school was incredibly poignant.”
Friends of Maisie’s 18-year-old brother George and her former teachers were among the 73 people who donated at the session, where more than half were first-time donors.
“It was an emotional day but so, so uplifting,” Kathryn added. “We were thrilled at how many young people in particular donated. A few told me they were nervous but the blood donation team was amazing and put everyone at ease.
“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 – particularly as England remains in an amber alert for low blood stocks.
“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,” explained Daniel Cooper, NHS Blood and Transplant Assistant Director for Blood Donation Operations.
“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.”
People can book an appointment through the NHS Blood and Transplant website or call 0300 123 23 23 to find the nearest blood donation session.