One of Central BID Birmingham’s longest-serving team members is going above and beyond his daily duties to help save lives – and his inspiration comes from close to home.
Paul Barnett, 47, is a familiar face in Birmingham city centre, having worked as a BID Business Support Officer for nearly two decades. But outside of his role supporting businesses and visitors, Paul is also a regular plasma donor, giving in honour of his young granddaughter, Suraiya, who recovered from a rare illness thanks to a treatment made possible by plasma donations.
Born prematurely, Suraiya spent much of her first year in and out of hospital. At just three years old, she was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease, a rare condition that causes inflammation in the blood vessels and can lead to serious heart complications if left untreated. Suraiya experienced severe symptoms, including rashes, swollen hands, nosebleeds and red eyes – but thanks to an intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment, derived from donated plasma, she made a full recovery.
Motivated by her experience, Paul began donating blood in 2022, before switching exclusively to plasma donation in 2023 at the Birmingham Plasma Donor Centre on New Street – one of only three dedicated centres in the UK. Since then, he’s donated an impressive 18 times.
“It was heartbreaking to see Suraiya so poorly as a baby,” said Paul. “Now she’s strong, chatty and loves playing doctor. I donate in honour of her and to help other children who might need the same treatment.”
Paul’s job with the BID sees him walking past the donor centre several times a day, making it easy for him to book regular appointments. “I feel lucky to be able to fit donation into my daily routine. It’s a small act that can have a huge impact.”
The Barnett family has a long tradition of community giving. Paul’s father was a frequent blood donor until health issues prevented him from continuing. Paul proudly took up the mantle. His mother, while unable to give blood herself, supports charities and schools both in the UK and abroad.
Suraiya, who received the all-clear from Kawasaki disease in February 2025, is now a happy, healthy little girl with a big heart. “She’s my secret weapon when someone needs cheering up,” Paul laughs. “She’s kind, thoughtful, and already playing doctors — who knows, maybe she’ll grow up to save lives herself.”
Mark Bailey, Manager at the Birmingham Plasma Donor Centre, praised Paul’s commitment: “Paul’s determination is truly inspiring. His story shows just how vital plasma is in creating life-saving treatments. We’re incredibly grateful to him and to all donors across Birmingham. The need for plasma never stops — we urge anyone who can to consider donating.”
You can donate plasma as often as every two weeks. To register and book an appointment, visit www.blood.co.uk, download the GiveBlood app, or call 0300 123 23 23.