‘It's such a gift they could give someone’ - Nairn father set to appear on BBC show to inspire new blood donors in memory of daughter
The family of a young Nairn woman who died of leukaemia last year will appear on TV this weekend to inspire people to donate blood.
Rachel Suddick was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in 2019 and after more than three years of treatment - during which she received around 150 blood transfusions - she passed away in May 2023.
Now, her father James (53) and her sister Abby (22) will be featured on BBC Casualty's Christmas episode on Saturday to talk about the life-changing impact blood donations had on Rachel during her treatment.
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“I think there's often a disconnect between people giving blood and actually understanding the vital difference it makes to the people that receive it and having the availability there,” Mr Suddick said.
“During Rachel’s treatment we saw just how vital people's blood donations are, to enable her treatment and literally keeping her alive.
“It's especially this time of year that you appreciate just how many people there will be in hospitals up and down the country, sat next to someone very important in their lives, and again relying on the generosity of people going along and donating blood.”
A former Nairn Academy pupil, Rachel went on to study pharmacology and immunology at Aberdeen University.
Years of intensive treatments followed, including a bone marrow transplant and "too many rounds of chemotherapy to count", but blood transfusions gave her a chance to continue doing what she loved.
"Ahead of any of the many transfusions she would be tired and lethargic," said Mr Suddick.
"But it was quite magical to see the power of a transfusion. She would have that cheeky smile and glint in the eye.”
Throughout it all she continued to study, even sitting exams from her hospital bed.
To raise awareness on blood cancer and encourage more people to become blood donors, she also opened an Instagram account called @transplantinpolaroids documenting her journey.
Crews visited the family in Nairn back in September to film, with the show being aired the same week of what would have been Rachel’s birthday on Wednesday, December 18.
“It is some coincidence but it is quite lovely that, just three days afterwards, she's going to be mentioned on the programme,” Mr Suddick said.
To mark Rachel’s birthday last year, the family organised a blood drive in her memory, which resulted in around 235 people donating their blood, meaning her blood drive could’ve impacted up to 705 lives - as one blood donation can save or improve up to three lives.
Mr Suddick said they were delighted that so many decided to take part to the blood drive.
He said: “During Rachel's three and a half years of treatment, you are so reliant on the support of different organisations and charities, and it's nice to feel that you're able to pay back the help and generosity that these various different groups afforded.
“Please, give it some thought. The staff of the donation centres are absolutely wonderful and will help through every step of the process. It doesn't take much time at all, and it makes such a huge difference that it's such a gift that they could give someone, for just a little bit of time and no cost.”
To mark this date Rachel’s aunt, Joanna, will also be donating blood - which will be her 50th donation since she first became a blood donor as a teenager.
She said: “Having donated blood sporadically since I was a teenager, it was only when our niece Rachel became ill that I really realised first-hand what a difference a blood donation could make to someone.
“Not only can it save lives in an emergency, but it can also improve the quality of lives. Rachel inspired my daughter, Emily, and I to regularly go and donate blood every 12 weeks.
“When I realised I was getting close to giving my 50th donation, I decided I wanted to do it on what would have been Rachel’s 24th birthday, because she was, and always will be, our motivation for donating as soon as we could.
“Emily and I will also be joined by my friends, Gaynor, Christeen, and Alice, who signed up to Rachel’s blood drive last year, and now regularly donate blood.”
Megan Petursdottir, communications and engagement officer at Give Blood 4 Good, said: “The upcoming Casualty episode will serve as powerful reminder of the life-changing impact blood donation can have on people’s lives.
“During Rachel’s treatment, she received hundreds of blood transfusions which gave her the energy to do what was important to her, reminding us that it’s not only the person who receives the transfusion who can benefit, but also their family, friends and loved ones.
“With the festive season approaching, we know that the real-life stories featured in the episode will resonate deeply with viewers, and we’re really proud to have contributed to this meaningful project to showcase the profound impact blood donation can have.”
The BBC Casualty episode will air on Saturday at 9pm.
