A HOLLYWOOD cancer survivor is encouraging others to come forward and become plasma donors.
Stephen Franklin was a dedicated plasma donor from 2020 until last year when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer – meaning he can no longer donate.
The 60-year-old received the shock news on May 8, during VE Day – a significant day for him as a veteran, having served in the army as a helicopter co-pilot.
Stephen said: “It was during the two-minute silence as I left the hospital after hearing the devastating news. I just stood there, trying to process everything that just happened.”
In August, Stephen had his prostate surgically removed – just a day after his 60th birthday.
Stephen was a blood donor before becoming a dedicated plasma donor for five years, collecting more than 150 credits for his blood and plasma donations in the process, and has been a powerful advocate for plasma donation.
Donated plasma in England is transformed into life-saving medicines for patients with rare and serious conditions.
NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) collects plasma at specially dedicated donor centres in Birmingham, Reading and Twickenham, as well as through whole blood donations.
Following a low haemoglobin deferral at one of his regular plasma donation sessions, Stephen went to his doctor for further tests, with the aim of finding out how he can get back to donating.
This visit to the doctors spiralled into several different medical appointments and further medical examinations that eventually, sadly, led to a prostate cancer diagnosis.
It was after these further ‘just to be on the safe side’ visits to various medical appointments that Stephen was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
After contracting Covid-19, the former army helicopter co-pilot and retired firefighter of 27 years, bounced back to try and help other coronavirus victims by donating more plasma than anyone else to a treatment trial in England.
At the time he was the first person in the UK to hit 10 donations of plasma for the Covid-19 convalescent plasma programme in 2020.
After this trial came to an end, Stephen continued to donate plasma regularly as the NHS started to build up stocks of plasma to start producing vital life-saving medicines.
Stephen is now in remission and at the end of November 2025 was able to return to working as a teaching assistant in a school for pupils with special educational needs.
Stephen said: “I am gutted I can no longer give plasma – it was a big part of my routine. I religiously donated every three weeks so it was hard to hear that I could never donate again after my diagnosis. However, I know I can still help by inspiring others to donate in my name.
“The staff at the donor centre are so kind and professional. I will miss seeing them regularly, but I still look forward to popping into the donor centre to say hello whenever I am in town.
“Although I can’t donate plasma anymore, my work here isn’t over yet. I will be rounding up all my friends and family to donate plasma in my name now that I am no longer able to donate.”
Mark Bailey, Birmingham Plasma Donor Centre Manager, said: “Stephen’s story is a powerful reminder of how every donation can make a real difference and I thank him for everything he has done to support plasma donation over the years.
“As we start the new year, January is the perfect time for people to make a resolution that truly saves lives and I urge them to join our community of blood and plasma donors.”
For more, to book an appointment or register as either a blood or plasma donor, click here, download the NHS Give Blood app or call 0300 123 23 23.
