A south Wales dad who survived a near‑fatal crash after receiving 100 units of blood is urging people across Wales to donate during National Blood Donor Week (08–14 June 2026).
In 2020, Richard Jones, from Neath, was driving through Carmarthenshire when his truck struck a barrier and flipped. He suffered catastrophic injuries and began losing blood at a life‑threatening rate. A passer‑by- a former Army medic,- rushed to help, using two makeshift tourniquets to slow the bleeding. Other members of the public stayed with Richard, keeping him conscious until a Wales Air Ambulance arrived.
At the roadside, medics immediately gave him six units of blood before flying him to Morriston Hospital in Swansea. Richard spent ten days in a coma and later learned he had shattered his hip, torn ligaments, broken multiple bones and suffered severe trauma to both legs. His right leg was eventually amputated above the knee due to a severed artery.
Over the following weeks, he needed a further 94 units of blood and underwent nine major operations.
Richard says he owes his life to the kindness of strangers – both those who helped at the scene and the donors whose blood kept him alive.
“Looking back now, it’s overwhelming to think how many people stepped forward to help me,” he said.
Alan Prosser, director of the Welsh Blood Service, said: “National Blood Donor Week is the highlight of our annual calendar. However, the summer months can be especially challenging, with hot weather and more donors travelling abroad affecting donation levels.”
Richard continued: “I would just like to say a huge thank you to anyone donates blood, without you, I wouldn’t be here. You never know whose life you’re going to save or change.”
The Welsh Blood Service is marking National Blood Donor Week with its ‘Missing Type’ campaign, highlighting the importance of blood groups O, A and B.
To find out more or book an appointment to give blood, use the link below.
Give blood
To find out more or book an appointment, visit wbs.wales/NBDW26.