'I'm only 17 but had over 100 blood transfusions'

Maisie Marsh said the blood donations help her to "stay well and live a normal life"

A 17-year-old girl who has had more than 100 blood transfusions has told how the donations helped her to "lead a normal life".

Maisie Marsh, from Liverpool, was born with pyruvate kinase deficiency, a rare disorder which can cause extreme tiredness, infections and pain, and can be life-threatening.

Earlier this week it was announced people applying for a driving licence will be encouraged to donate blood as part of a campaign to boost the numbers of donors.

Maisie said she hoped it would have a positive impact and said transfusions had been vital for her "to grow and thrive" as a child and continue to help her "stay well".

Maisie (centre) with her father Dean and mother Emma

"Many people my age probably haven't thought of giving blood," she said.

"Having the option to sign up when applying for a driving licence is a good way to get the message out to people who are the right age to start donating."

Maisie, a teaching assistant from Netherley, was born with the condition which means her body does not make enough blood cells and she had her first transfusion at just 14 months.

Maisie has been having blood transfusions since she was a baby

She had needed a transfusion every month until the age of five when she had her spleen removed to help manage her condition, and continues to rely on the procedure when she experiences symptoms or to help her body fight off an infection.

Maisie now hopes people her age who are learning to drive will choose to donate.

"I know first-hand the difference blood donors make," she said.

"People mostly associate blood transfusions with emergencies but every day there are so many people like me who need blood for ongoing conditions.

"My family and I are always asking people to give blood if they can.

"It's so easy, and you save lives."

Maisie hopes to encourage more young people to donate blood

Maisie's father Dean described his daughter as "the bravest person I know".

"She's had countless operations and just over 100 transfusions and still to this day she struggles but she's very brave the family get through it and we all stick together that's all we can do," he said.

Her mother Emma said the DVLA and NHS campaign was "and absolutely brilliant idea".

"I would urge everyone just go and look into it it's not hard and you help so many people," she said.

"Blood isn't just for accidents emergencies it's for everyday people who suffer with blood disorders like Maisie."