The first Tamworth local to donate plasma after recovering from COVID-19 was a welcome visitor at the city's blood service this week.
Anna was the first person at Lifeblood Tamworth Donor Centre to lend an arm and donate plasma after recovering from coronavirus.
In fact, she was one of the first in the state.
Ultimately, I just wanted to give back to helpers the little bit that I can.
- Recovered COVID-19 Tamworth local, Anna
"There's not a great deal that we can do to help with the pandemic except to stay inside and social distancing, but I was probably in a unique position where I could provide the plasma which could potentially help someone, or people down the line.
"I felt relief that I could be doing something that would make a difference, something quite obvious and significant."
Lifeblood said plasma from recovered cases could be a key weapon in the fight against the pandemic. The plasma is the liquid part of blood and in people who've fought off the virus, it holds precious antibodies.
It's been a rollercoaster ride for Anna. She was officially cleared of the virus two weeks ago, having spent more than five weeks in home isolation after testing positive for the infection in March.
Despite never having donated before, Anna picked up the phone when she heard Australia Red Cross would begin collecting donations from recovered patients from Monday.
Lifeblood said the "convalescent" plasma will be used in clinical trials, both as treatment and as a medication which could help provide immunity against the COVID-19 virus.
"I felt relief that I could be doing something that would make a difference, something quite obvious and significant," Anna said.
The 31-year-old Tamworth woman said the staff at the local donor centre "were amazing" while collecting her unique donation.
Slightly different restrictions for recovered COVID-19 patients mean Anna plans on giving plasma weekly for 12 weeks, as long as she carries the antibodies. She encourages others in her unique position to do the same.
"It's nowhere near as scary as it might be made out to be, it is very welcoming, very friendly, very reassuring ... go out and have a chat to them if you're nervous before booking in, go out and meet them," she said.
