“Usually, I’m in the Loire stand… Here, it’s not the same atmosphere! “ FC Nantes subscriber, Ronan does not lead wide this Friday afternoon. For the first time in his life, this Canaries fan is about to donate blood after the French Blood Establishment (EFS) launched a “vital emergency” appeal last month. This Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, it was at La Beaujoire that the team of volunteers, nurses and doctors put down their equipment. And more precisely in one of the VIP lounges, whose large terrace (where the snack takes place, once the sample has been taken) overlooks the stadium, bathed in sunlight.
Lying on one of the beds while waiting for the injection, Tanguy takes advantage of the view. “In general, I am opposite, in Océane, smiles the young man of 27 years. I always wondered what was behind those windows! It’s even better than I imagined. This “regular donor” managed to convince some friends to accompany him, to discover the places and do a good deed. “The Beaujoire setting motivated them, that’s for sure, he smiles. Especially one, who hadn’t donated blood for several years. It’s still more fun than a municipal gymnasium…”
A different setting for new donors
The EFS jumped on the ball when Just de Fontaines, the club’s “Fan experience” manager and donor himself, offered to make the Premium space available. For this great first, the objective is to renew the file of donors by reaching another audience, thanks to a different setting. “In February, stocks were very, very low after the cancellations of operations linked to Covid, but people quickly responded well, notes Dr Anne Vogelsperger, sampling doctor. We now have a sufficient reserve but we must always remain vigilant. Regularly, donors come off the lists because they have exceeded the age limit (71 years old), have developed an illness…” Beyond being self-sufficient, the territory is also an “exporter” of blood to other regions, thanks to to his “high index of generosity”.
Under the gaze of Moses Simon in particular, whose photo sits on the wall of this chicly decorated living room, the donors parade and the pockets are filled. While many of them have yellow and green blood, it’s more red we’re talking about here. “If I needed it, I would appreciate others stepping up for me,” says Square Melody, the goalkeeper of the FCN women, who also took the plunge this Friday. I was a bit stressed before going there, but the fact that it’s taking place here gave me confidence. Everything went well, so I will do it again. It’s important, I think. »
Loire-Atlantique EFS needs 1,460 donations per week. Collections are regularly organized and it is also possible to go to the Maison du don, by appointment.