How Did Losing His Brother Shape Smith's Rugby Career?

Ollie Smith, a professional rugby player, is raising awareness for blood donations in honour of his late brother, Patrick, who tragically passed away in 2019. As Smith navigates the highs and lows of elite sport, he draws strength from his family’s support and channels his grief into a charitable campaign, educating young people about the importance of blood donation.

Last updated: 07 December 2025 (BST)

What’s happening now

Ollie Smith is currently engaged in promoting blood donation awareness through a charity set up in memory of his brother, Patrick. The charity encourages young people in Scotland to understand the significance of donating blood, as recent statistics show a concerning decline in blood donations across the region. Smith is actively participating in school outreach initiatives and university campaigns to foster a culture of giving blood, aiming to reverse the trend of dwindling donations.

Key takeaways

Ollie Smith's brother, Patrick, died tragically in 2019, inspiring Smith to advocate for blood donation.
The Smith family established a charity to honour Patrick's legacy and highlight the importance of blood donation.
Recent figures indicate that blood donations in Scotland have dropped below 2% over the past year.

Timeline: how we got here

In 2019, Patrick Smith tragically died following a fall from a third-floor window. In response to this loss, Ollie Smith and his family began to channel their grief into creating a blood donation charity. Since then, they have worked tirelessly to promote blood donation awareness, particularly among younger demographics. Recent events have highlighted a sharp decline in donations, prompting further action from the charity.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent reports show that blood donations in Scotland have fallen below 2%, raising alarm among health officials. In light of this, Smith's charity is ramping up efforts to educate the public, especially students, about the necessity of regular blood donations.

What was already established

Ollie Smith’s dedication to blood donation advocacy has been ongoing since his brother's death. The charity has previously organised multiple events and outreach programmes aimed at increasing awareness and participation in blood donation across Scotland.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The decline in blood donations can potentially affect healthcare services, particularly in emergency situations where blood transfusions are critical. Increased awareness and participation in blood donation can help ensure that the NHS has adequate supplies to meet patient needs.

Businesses and jobs

Charities like the one established by the Smith family often rely on volunteers and community support. Their initiatives can create jobs and opportunities within the non-profit sector while raising awareness about public health issues.

Policy and regulation

Health authorities may consider implementing new policies or campaigns to encourage blood donations, especially in response to recent declines. Collaboration with local sports figures like Ollie Smith can enhance the visibility of these campaigns.

Numbers that matter

2%: The current blood donation rate in Scotland, which has dropped significantly over the past year.
21: The age at which Patrick Smith tragically lost his life, highlighting the fragility of life.
6: The number of years the Smith family’s charity has been active, promoting awareness and education on blood donation.

Definitions and jargon buster

Blood Donation: The process of voluntarily giving blood for transfusion or medical use.
Charity: An organisation that raises money to help those in need or to support a particular cause.
Advocacy: The act of supporting or recommending a particular cause or policy.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, the Smith family will be conducting awareness campaigns in local schools and universities to encourage blood donation. These events will aim to engage students and promote the benefits of donating blood.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Over the next few months, the charity plans to expand its outreach initiatives, possibly collaborating with more local sports teams and organisations to reach a broader audience. They may also assess the impact of their campaigns on donation rates.

Signals to watch

Monitoring blood donation rates in Scotland to see if recent campaigns have a positive impact.
Engagement levels during school and university outreach initiatives.
Feedback from participants about their motivations for donating blood.

Practical guidance

Do

Consider signing up for a blood donation session if eligible.
Participate in local awareness events to learn more about blood donation.
Share information about blood donation campaigns with friends and family.

Don’t

Don’t ignore the importance of blood donation—your contribution can save lives.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you are unsure about the donation process.
Don’t overlook the positive impact that sharing your donation story can have on others.

Checklist

Are you eligible to donate blood based on age and health criteria?
Have you checked the schedule for local blood donation sessions?
Are you aware of the benefits of donating blood?
Have you shared information about blood donation with your community?
Have you followed the charity’s social media for updates on events?

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the Smith family's charity aims to boost blood donation rates, there are uncertainties surrounding public participation due to the pandemic and ongoing health concerns. The efficacy of new campaigns in reversing the downward trend remains to be seen, and there may be logistical challenges in reaching diverse communities.

Bottom line

Ollie Smith's journey from personal tragedy to passionate advocacy for blood donation exemplifies how individuals can turn grief into positive action. As awareness grows around the necessity of blood donation, the hope is that more people will step forward to give, ultimately saving lives within the community.

FAQs

Why is blood donation important?

Blood donation is crucial as it provides hospitals with the necessary blood supplies for transfusions, surgeries, and treating various medical conditions.

How can I get involved in blood donation campaigns?

You can participate by visiting local blood donation sessions, spreading awareness, and volunteering with organisations focused on blood donation advocacy.

What are the eligibility requirements for donating blood?

Eligibility typically includes being over 17 years old, in good health, and meeting specific weight criteria. It's important to check local blood donation guidelines for detailed requirements.