A photographer and filmmaker from Cardiff who survived cancer is encouraging people across Wales to donate blood this autumn, as health officials report approximately 8,000 appointment slots remain unfilled.
Miriam Hughes was working full-time in the film and television sector when she received a stage four Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis at age 24 in August 2025.
Her illness required intensive chemotherapy and extended periods of hospitalisation.
As her condition progressed and her blood cell levels dropped to dangerous levels, she became dependent on regular blood transfusions during the period spanning November 2025 through January 2026.
Following successful treatment, Hughes has since achieved clear test results and is currently rebuilding her life while resuming professional activities.
She is collaborating with the Welsh Blood Service to appeal for additional donors before the month concludes.
According to Hughes, the transfusions provided essential support that enabled her to persist with her medical regimen through the most challenging phase of her illness.
She expressed gratitude to donors throughout Wales for their willingness to contribute, noting that while recipients remain unknown to them, their generosity can prove transformative.
She thanked donors sincerely for providing her with an opportunity to recover and return to both her life and her chosen profession, and urged those capable of doing so to schedule an autumn appointment as they could offer another patient a comparable opportunity.
Whole blood donations yield red cells with a shelf life of just 35 days, meaning consistent contributions are required throughout the year.
Alan Prosser, who leads the Welsh Blood Service, stated that Hughes exemplifies the remarkable impact donors have on patients and their relatives.
He explained that each contribution represents an act of generosity capable of assisting individuals undergoing cancer therapy, surgical procedures, childbirth complications, or medical crises.
According to Prosser, Welsh hospitals require roughly 350 donations daily, with about 70 percent of collected blood supporting patients being treated for cancer and blood-related conditions similar to Hughes.
He noted that while public response during summer months proved encouraging with 6,000 bookings already secured for the current period, patient requirements remain constant.
With approximately 8,000 appointments still vacant this autumn, both returning donors and those making their first contribution are being asked to make reservations.
Prospective donors are advised to confirm bookings in advance and to attend if they remain in good health.
Neither influenza nor Covid-19 vaccination typically precludes donation on the same day, provided the individual feels well.
Sessions can be arranged through the Welsh Blood Service website or by telephoning 0800 252 266.