Meet the Ryedale man who became one of Yorkshire's first Covid-19 patients after catching the virus while skiing in Italy

Trevor Bayfield, 55, was told by doctors that he was one of the first Covid-19 patients to be treated in Yorkshire when he was hospitalised in Hull back in March.

The sales manager is thought to have contracted the virus while on a skiing holiday to Italy. During the nightmare trip, he also broke his leg and shoulder in an accident and had to be medically evacuated to York Hospital for treatment.

He spent eleven days in hospital, three of which were on oxygen, and is still recovering.

The NHS has highlighted Mr Bayfield's experiences as he has gone on to become a plasma donor in clinical trials.

Covid-19 survivors in Yorkshire have now made over 90 donations, according to NHS Blood and Transplant.

Donors who received hospital treatment for coronavirus are more likely to have the high level of antibodies needed for convalescent plasma, which could help others in hospital struggling to develop their own immune response to the virus.

If clinical trials show patient benefit, plasma could be a life-saving treatment for people who won’t respond to vaccination, such as those receiving chemotherapy, and before vaccines are fully introduced.

The region’s two donor centres in Leeds, as well as additional centres in Bradford and Kirklees, have taken 90 donations from 41 patients who were in hospital earlier this year.

Mr Bayfield said: "I definitely know I've had the virus, I'm not as active as I was but I am very keen to help however I can."

“I'm now up to 14 plasma donations and have my 15th booked in for Christmas Eve. I will continue on as long as I am able to and would encourage anyone who has either had symptoms or a confirmed case to offer to donate their plasma."

More donors are still being sought. Professor David Roberts from the blood and transplant service said: “Our analysis shows people who had hospital care make our best donors. They have the highest antibody levels and their antibodies stay higher for longer. Your body quickly replaces the donated plasma and antibodies and it does not affect antibody levels in the long term.

“We are grateful to people in Yorkshire who have been willing to donate their plasma. Especially to those who were in hospital and will have had a difficult time this year. By donating, they could be helping to save lives.”

People who have experience of all levels of Covid-19 severity can donate - including those with minor symptoms - but there is a special need for the most seriously ill people to donate as new analysis shows they have the highest antibody levels.

To volunter, visit www.nhsbt.nhs.uk.