Alison's story - donating cord

Alison Hulme gave birth to her daughter Ada Mae in August 2015 at King’s College Hospital. She donated her cord blood in the hope it could save someone's life.

‘I heard about the cord blood donation programme quite early on in my pregnancy. I decided to do it because I couldn’t see a reason not to.

‘My attitude was that it was a part of me that I didn’t need (I definitely didn’t want to take it home and have it made into tablets!) but that it could mean so much for someone else. When it became apparent during my pregnancy that I was going to need a C-section it seemed to make even more sense, as the cord would be cut immediately.

‘The process was so easy. The Anthony Nolan team talked me through everything and I just had to sign a form. I felt, and still do feel, brilliant about donating my cord blood. What an amazing thing, that a little newborn baby could already be helping to save another person’s life.

‘I absolutely loved the ‘Born Lifesaver’ Babygro that Anthony Nolan sent for Ada Mae to wear, I’ll definitely keep it and show it to her when she’s older so she knows what an amazing thing she’s done. I wouldn’t think twice about doing it again if I have another child.’

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