Albion are one of four Premier League teams who have joined forces to back a new team – ‘Plasma FC’ – as part of an NHS Blood and Transplant campaign urging fans who’ve had COVID-19 to register as blood plasma donors.
Plasma from those who’ve had coronavirus contains antibodies that could help others fight the virus and is being collected by NHSBT to support research into new treatments.
Albion, Leicester City and Crystal Palace are among the clubs asking their fans to #BeTheDifference by signing up to Plasma FC online, along with Championship clubs Blackburn Rovers (Community Trust), Watford, and League One side Northampton Town.
Fans can support Plasma FC by following their local club’s social media channels and sharing the Plasma FC film via #BeTheDifference.
💙 Calling all Albion fans who have had coronavirus. You’ve got what it takes to sign for Plasma FC.
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) February 15, 2021
Register today at https://t.co/qv8JNcSB9x.#BeTheDifference #BHAFC 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/YdtECF2MaK
To sign up, anyone aged over 17 years who has tested positive for COVID-19 or had symptoms can register online to donate plasma at www.nhsbt.nhs.uk.
Plasma FC is particularly appealing for men, black and Asian donors, and those who received hospital care for the virus to join its ranks. Their plasma is more likely to contain the high levels of antibodies needed to donate.
Elizabeth Hillerby, Marketing Manager from NHS Blood and Transplant said, “We’re incredibly grateful to the thousands of people who have donated plasma to support research into new treatments for COVID-19.
“We need more people to register as donors to support further studies which could help vulnerable groups, such as older people and those with weak immune systems. The high infection rates mean more people than ever are now able to help.”
Donating is easy - it takes just 45 minutes and the whole appointment, including time for snacks, lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Donations are being taken at NHSBT’s 23 blood donor centres and a further 20 pop-up plasma donor centres. Your body quickly replaces the donated plasma and donated antibodies.
People can register to donate online at www.nhsbt.nhs.uk or search ‘donate plasma’.