A RYEDALE man who was left seriously ill after he caught Covid-19 is now donating his blood plasma to help other patients.

Trevor Bayfield, 55, a sales manager, was skiing in Italy when he broke his leg and shoulder and was then diagnosed with coronavirus.

After treatment in an Italian hospital, Trevor was medivac’d to York Hospital before being transferred to Hull. Doctors at the time told him he was one of the first people in Yorkshire to be treated with the virus.

He spent 11 days in hospital, three of those on oxygen, and is still recovering, owing to the injuries he suffered in his skiiing accident.

Trevor is more likely to have the high level of antibodies needed for convalescent plasma, which could help others in hospital struggling to develop their own immune response to the virus.

If clinical trials show patient benefit, plasma could be a life-saving treatment for people who won’t respond to vaccination, such as those receiving chemotherapy, and before vaccines are fully introduced.

Trevor said: “I definitely know I’ve had the virus, I’m not as active as I was but I am very keen to help however I can.”

“I’m now up to 14 plasma donations and have my 15th booked in for Christmas Eve.

“I will continue on as long as I am able to and would encourage anyone who has either had symptoms or a confirmed case to offer to donate their plasma.”

The NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is now renewing its call for more donors to support its clinical trials.

Professor David Roberts, NHSBT associate medical director for blood donation, said: “Our analysis shows people who had hospital care make our best donors. They have the highest antibody levels and their antibodies stay higher for longer. Your body quickly replaces the donated plasma and antibodies and it does not affect antibody levels in the long term.

“We are grateful to people in Yorkshire who have been willing to donate their plasma. Especially to those who were in hospital and will have had a difficult time this year. By donating, they could be helping to save lives.”

People of all levels of illness can donate, including people with minor symptoms – but there is a special need for the most seriously ill people to donate as new analysis shows generally they have the highest antibody levels.

If you’ve had confirmed coronavirus or the symptoms, you can volunteer at nhsbt.nhs.uk