Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Cork man starts 'Bloodnominations' after best friend's cancer diagnosis

35-year-old David McCarthy found out his friend Pete has bone marrow cancer and said he wanted to feel like he was doing something.

A CORK MAN has started nominating friends through Facebook to donate blood after hearing of his best friend’s cancer diagnosis.

Less than two weeks ago, 35-year-old David McCarthy was told that his friend Pete Morrissy had bone marrow cancer.

“I was upset like, but he’s actually been very strong-minded about it,” he said. ”When I went up and was talking to him he put me at ease, I thought he’d be more upset but he knows what’s wrong and he’s getting treatment.”

I was thinking, he needs a lot of blood transfusions and I used to give it before – I stopped about a year and a half ago. I was thinking of the ‘Neknomination’ and thought I might as well try to even get a couple of people in so I said it to Pete and he said yeah.

McCarthy posted his ‘Bloodnomination’ online and nominated friends to do it and four or five people in the last week have also gone to give blood in the local Cork donation clinic.

“When I was talking to the nurse, she was saying the summer is the quietest time for giving blood so if it’d get more people to do it it’d be great,” he said. “They’re not just donating blood, people are donating platelets too and it makes a big difference.”

It can be scary enough giving blood but when you give it you feel better.

McCarthy said he would encourage people all across the country to jump on board the ‘Bloodnomination’ bandwagon in honour of his best friend and other cancer patients who will benefit from it.

Read: Tracing The Blood Line: Here’s what happens to your blood after you donate>

More: Here’s what to expect when you give blood>

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
39 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds