Arm in arm with donors,
from the very beginning
from the very beginning
Our purpose
Since our founder Jack Copland first spotted a gap with no blood transfusion service back in 1930, the ESESBTA has been there to support and reward donors of blood and other blood products, using generous donations from the public.
How we help
Using these donations, legacies and contributions, also known as the Donor Comfort Fund, we find ways to bring support and joy to donation spaces. We are able to fund small improvement projects and technologies that aim to make blood donation as comfortable and rewarding as possible for donors. We can also support environmental improvements to enhance donor experience, such as the installation of TVs and seasonal decorations. It is important that donors feel valued so we support donor award ceremonies.
Latest projects and support we’ve funded
August 2026
Heat pads
We have funded heat pads for donor centres so they can be offered to donors to enhance their overall experience. During blood donation some donors may experience discomfort, and their donating arm may feel cold. One way to help them feel more comfortable is to rest their arm on a heat pad. An added benefit is improved, stable blood flow which smooths the collection procedure.
15th November 2024
Tissue Donor Memorial
A beautiful and moving memorial was held in the City Chambers in Edinburgh to honour and remember the selfless gift of tissue donation by donors and their families. All attendees had the opportunity to leave a message, name or prayer on a pebble as a touching symbol of a lasting memory. These memorial pebbles will be placed in the Jack Copland Centre next to Harvey the Angel. The Tissue Cells and Advanced Therapeutics (TCAT) team were honoured to be supported in making this event possible and we hope to help host and fund this event every two years to keep the memory of tissue donations alive.
Summer 2023
Vein Finder Glasses
We’re always looking for ways to make the blood donation experience as smooth and rewarding as possible for every donor. That is why we funded a small trial testing Vein Finder Glasses to see if we could use new technology to improve the donor experience.
