Jensen

Eight-year-old Jensen, from Huddersfield, is one of only a handful of boys in the UK diagnosed with X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome (XLP1), a rare immune disorder that affects around 1 in a million boys. The condition left him with dangerously low antibody levels and increases the risk of developing lymphoma. Jensen has already faced that battle twice... first at just three years old, when he was diagnosd with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and again four years later.

After further tests in 2022, doctors discovered that Jensen’s immune system was failing because of XLP1. To keep him safe, he was immediately given medicine made from donated plasma, which strengthened his defences and helped him through a life saving stem cell transplant. “I believe the medicine really helped him heading towards and all through the transplant,” explains his mum, Beverley. “It made sure he had some extra antibodies whilst his immune system was regenerating.”

Plasma medicines like the one Jensen received save and transform the lives of thousands of people every year. They are made from antibodies in plasma and are used to treat more than 50 rare diseases and conditions, including immune disorders and genetic illnesses. Over 17,000 people in England rely on plasma medicines annually, yet supplies are limited.

For Jensens family, the donations have been nothing short of life-saving. “If he had caught anything with a weak immune system, it could have been fatal,” says Beverley. “Plasma donors help to save lives, just like blood donors. In my eyes, it has certainly helped Jensen... it has given his immune system a boost. I would say to blood, stem cell, platelet and plasma donors… thanks for saving his life.”

Jensen has made a good recovery and took part in the British Transplant Games in 2024!