Super Donors
During my attachment on the BBC Breakfast planning team, I produced a story highlighting the importance of blood and platelet donation.
The festive season is traditionally a challenging time for planning content, as many contributors are unavailable and news stories can be limited. I identified blood donation as a strong opportunity for that period - an area where demand remains high while donor numbers typically drop.
I contacted the NHS Blood and Transplant press team to source case studies and was introduced to the story of Jenson, a young boy diagnosed with a severe form of anaemia.
His treatment relies heavily on platelet donations and I discovered that only ten men in England currently donate all four components: blood, plasma, platelets and stem cells. These “super donors” have played a crucial role in Jenson’s recovery, giving the piece a powerful human focus.
I led the editorial development of the VT, coordinating logistics, shaping the narrative and briefing our reporter, Tim Muffett, who voiced the final piece.
To extend the story on the sofa, I secured a second family, four‑year‑old Isaac and his mum, Jasmin. Isaac, who has a genetic blood condition, receives transfusions every 12 weeks - affectionately calling them his “Hulk blood”. Their warmth and familiarity with the programme added emotional depth and continuity. I also arranged for Professor Dee Thiruchelvam, Chief Nursing Officer at NHS Blood and Transplant, to join the discussion, ensuring the segment combined personal storytelling with medical insight.
This piece showcased my ability to originate stories, secure contributors, manage sensitive subjects and create content during a challenging planning period.
To extend the story on the sofa, I secured a second family, four‑year‑old Isaac and his mum, Jasmin. Isaac, who has a genetic blood condition, receives transfusions every 12 weeks - affectionately calling them his “Hulk blood”. Their warmth and familiarity with the programme added emotional depth and continuity. I also arranged for Professor Dee Thiruchelvam, Chief Nursing Officer at NHS Blood and Transplant, to join the discussion, ensuring the segment combined personal storytelling with medical insight.
This piece showcased my ability to originate stories, secure contributors, manage sensitive subjects and create content during a challenging planning period.