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Sign Up For Plasma FC
from NTFC v Rochdale
by Weatherbys
FOOTBALL FANS URGED TO PUT THEIR RIVALRIES ASIDE IN PANDEMIC BY SIGNING FOR ‘PLASMA FC’
NHS campaign asks fans who’ve had COVID-19 to sign up to ‘Plasma FC’ to support treatment research
Six football clubs, including the Cobblers, 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.
Leicester City, Crystal Palace, and Brighton & Hove Albion are among the clubs asking their fans to #BeTheDifference by signing up to Plasma FC online. They are joined by Championship clubs Blackburn Rovers and Watford, and the Cobblers.
Anyone aged over 17 years who has tested positive for COVID-19 or had symptoms can register online to donate plasma. 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 from NHS Blood and Transplant said: “We’re urging fans who’ve had COVID-19 to put rivalries aside and unite behind one team, Plasma FC. With the support of 6 fantastic clubs, we’re hopeful the campaign will boost grassroots awareness with potential donors.
“By registering to donate plasma, you’ll be supporting research into new treatments which could help other fans or their loved ones fend off coronavirus and return to the beautiful game. 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’.
Fans can watch the Plasma FC film on YouTube and share on social media via #BeTheDifference.
