About 100 Manchester United fans from Meru County, accompanied by members of the community, participated in a blood donation drive at the Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital.
The blood donation event took place on Saturday, May 25, 2024, with the aim of assisting patients in need of blood transfusions across the country.
Caroline Nkatha, Chairperson of the Manchester United Fans Meru Chapter, highlighted that their group’s objective is to unite young people through sports as a means of reducing crime.
The initiative not only demonstrates the fans’ dedication to their football club but also their commitment to making a positive impact in their community by contributing to essential healthcare services like blood donation.
“Manchester United Meru is a Community Based Organization, (CBO), our objective is to bring young people together through sports, engage them so as to help them escape social vices,” Caroline Nkatha remarked
“Today’s blood donation activity is the second event of the year the group has done, with the 1st event being that of group visiting one of the children’s home in Meru County where it too donated some goodies”, she added.
Nkatha emphasized that their organization coordinated the blood donation drive to provide support to blood banks that may be experiencing shortages due to increased demand for blood.
She underscored the significance of such blood donations, particularly for road accident survivors who frequently require blood transfusions to aid in their recovery.
By actively participating in initiatives like blood donation drives, the Manchester United Fans Meru Chapter demonstrates their commitment to addressing critical healthcare needs within their community.
“There has been increased number of accidents on our roads lately we wanted to help the patients who might lose blood in such cases, and not only accident victims but all those patients who need blood and donations is meant to save their lives,” highlighted Nkatha.
Nkatha extended an invitation to other compassionate individuals, regardless of their affiliation with Manchester United, to take part in the blood donation initiative.
Anthony Muriuki, the organizing secretary, echoed this sentiment, encouraging all Kenyans to participate in blood donation efforts, including supporters of other football teams such as Chelsea and Arsenal.
Martin Mwirigi, the Laboratory Manager at Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital, praised the Manchester United fans for their blood donation, noting that their exemplary actions would inspire others to follow suit.
“We have had cases where people have excess blood and it is important that after every three or four months one has to donate blood at least a pint,” Mwirigi remarked.
Mwirigi also emphasized on the significance of donating blood, mentioning that the donated blood aids not only patients at the hospital where the donation took place but also patients in hospitals nationwide.
