In December 2021, Tristan Kelly, a physically fit multi-sport athlete, was attacked by a Nyala bull, while on a family vacation in Timbavati. One horn penetrated his right calf and another through the body. He was immediately rushed to the hospital, where doctors discovered serious bleeding in his abdomen caused by a shredded iliac vein. Tristan had lost a significant amount of blood and needed 5 units of red blood cells, 5 units of fresh frozen plasma, and 6 units of cryoprecipitate.
After surviving the tragic incident, Tristan felt the need to give back to the community. He researched the need for blood in the Western Cape and discovered a significant shortage. “I felt guilty that I had taken from the system and felt obliged to give back,” said Tristan.
Unfortunately, Tristan cannot donate blood himself at this time. However, he contacted the Western Cape Blood Service and arranged to host a blood donation clinic at Kelfords Ford Motors in Somerset West, where he is the Managing Director.
Tristan has held 5 Blood drives at Kelfords Ford Motors in Somerset West with over 250 units of blood donated.
The Western Cape Blood Service is a non-profit, independent organization that operates throughout the Western Cape. Its mission is to provide safe blood and blood products to all communities in the region, from Cape Town to George, without prejudice. Its goal is to be the benchmark transfusion service in South Africa.
By donating blood, you have the potential to save up to three lives.
The next blood donation clinic is scheduled for 12 May
