Jonno's 250 sessions in the chair

Jonno’s journey as a Lifeblood donor started in an unorthodox manner. In year ten when the mobile donor centre visited his school, he and his teacher reached what he describes as a “mutual decision” that his time would be better spent donating blood rather than interrupting class. 

“Probably made the right choice in skipping Business Economics and instead donating blood,” he jokes. 

What began as a practical excuse to leave the classroom early became something much more meaningful. After that first donation, he kept returning whenever he could. 

Like many blood donors, Jonno’s journey was not perfectly linear. There were years when life got busy and donations took a back seat. It was a colleague's invitation to donate again that reignited the habit.

“I was booked in for my next appointment before I’d even donated. Then it was the next appointment, and the next one. I just kept going from there.”

As donating became a consistent habit, so did his post-donation snack: two sausage rolls with sauce, biscuits and cheese, with an iced-coffee. It hasn’t yet, but that order may be nicknamed “The Jonno.”
 

The renewed commitment became even more personal two years ago. His wife’s cousin was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. During her journey she would need numerous blood transfusions. 

The family created the Lifeblood Team Juju for Lulu. A way to come together and support by donating together. 

Jonno’s lofty track record as a regular donor elevated him to a new tier of hero within the family, seeing first-hand the need and impact that donors like Jonno make to families like theirs. 

This new-found status wasn’t without its reward. “It led to an extra bit of cake for dessert and a lot of warm hugs. It was quite nice.”

In a full circle moment, Jonno joined Lifeblood’s marketing team in 2024. No longer just motivating friends, family and colleagues, but helping to inspire a movement of donors. 

As someone who constantly celebrated the milestones of donors across the country, he neared another one of his own. 250. He donated alongside several members of his team.  

“I got plenty of nice photos and great memories of being able to donate with my team. There was quite a lot of activity and excitement on the day.”

Reflecting on it all, Jonno says that some of his fondest memories of donating are when his kids join him in the donor centre. “They’re really good at keeping me motivated.” Although their company does occasionally come at the cost of one of his sausage rolls. 

From a creative way to dodge Business Economics, to 250+ donations, all the way encouraging and inspiring others to donate where possible. Congrats, Jonno.