A MAN from Andover is among the top blood plasma donors in the south east.

Mark Parbery, who is 54, was in hospital in April after catching the virus, and has since given 12 donations of convalescent plasma to the NHS.

It comes as the NHS are calling on people across the region to donate plasma if they were hospitalised with coronavirus.

Plasma from patients who received hospital treatment for Covid-19 is more likely to have high levels of antibodies needed to help others build up their own immune response.

Mark spent one night in Basingstoke hospital in April, at the same time that Prime Minister Boris Johnson fell ill, after constantly passing out due to a high temperature.

He was discharged home the next day.

“I was probably worse a few days later at home though, when I had difficulty breathing,” said Mark.

“I should have gone back to hospital but I was worried I would never come back out.

“I couldn’t even walk two steps. I reckon I was breathing 10% of normal.”

After recovering, Mark decided to help others who were going through the same experience he had, by registering to donate plasma.

“I felt if I could help somebody else, it’s got to be worth it. It feels good to donate and it feels safe. The staff are really good at making you feel welcome.”

NHSBT is taking donations for the plasma arms of the RECOVERY and REMAP-CAP trials.

The trials will determine whether the antibody-rich blood plasma found in people who have had coronavirus could be an effective treatment for general use in the NHS.

Professor David Roberts, NHSBT associate medical director for blood donation, said: “Our analysis shows people who had hospital care make our best donors. They have the highest antibody levels and their antibodies stay higher for longer.

"Your body quickly replaces the donated plasma and antibodies and it does not affect antibody levels in the long term.

“We are grateful to people who have been willing to donate their plasma. Especially to those who were in hospital and will have had a difficult time this year.

"By donating, they could be helping to save lives.”

If you’ve had confirmed coronavirus or the symptoms, you can volunteer today to donate plasma at www.nhsbt.nhs.uk or search online for ‘donate plasma’.