A woman from Kirkby Malzeard near Ripon who survived a catastrophic tractor accident is backing an NHS appeal for blood donations.
Lucie Maguire, who received 12 units of emergency blood when she was hit by a tractor on a dark country lane, is urging more people to donate specific blood types ahead of Christmas.
The 24-year-old was involved in an accident in January 2021 after the car she was travelling in with her mum broke down.
She stepped out of the vehicle to help when she saw headlights coming towards her and had no time to react before she was struck.
She became trapped in the back wheel of the trailer and was dragged along the road, suffering multiple injuries and losing blood from a severed artery in her pelvis.
Paramedics stabilised her at the roadside by transfusing six units of O negative blood, with a further six units given upon her arrival at hospital.
O negative is known as the universal donor type, used in emergencies when a patient’s blood type is unknown.
Lucie was placed in an induced coma, and despite efforts to save her leg, it was later amputated.
She had also broken her back, shattered her pelvis and sustained internal injuries.
The NHS says it urgently needs more O negative, B negative and Ro blood donors to help maintain supplies during the crucial festive period.
Lucie supports the appeal, crediting donors with giving her the chance to survive and recover.
She said:
“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.”
Lucie spent 18 months in Leeds General Infirmary and required additional transfusions for surgeries including her amputation and skin grafts.
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.”
Now living independently with support, she continues rehabilitation and hopes to try prosthetics in the future.
A volunteer ambassador for Day One Trauma Support, she is committed to encouraging more people to donate.
She continued:
“Before my accident I had wanted to give blood but I never got round to it. Now as a blood recipient I can’t.
“So I do the next best thing and ask others to donate, hoping they are inspired by my story.
“Some of my friends have started giving blood which is great as I know the NHS needs more young donors.”
Gerry Gogarty, Director of Blood Supply for NHS Blood and Transplant, thanked Lucie for sharing her experience.
He 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.”
He added that the NHS particularly needs more O negative, B negative and Ro donations over the coming weeks.
The NHS says blood is needed year-round for trauma care, cancer treatment and a range of medical conditions, and each donation can save or improve up to three lives.
People can register and book an appointment to donate at www.blood.co.uk, via the NHS Give Blood app or by calling 0300 123 23 23.
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