Blood appeal for ex-actor Chen Wencong goes viral

SINGAPORE - An online appeal for donors with AB blood type to provide blood and platelets for former television actor, Chen Wen Cong, 38, has gone viral, reported the Straits Times on Sunday.

Chen, currently working as a scriptwriter at MediaCorp, was diagnosed with acute leukaemia two weeks ago, after suffering from ill health.

Evening Chinese papers reported that he is in intensive care, but did not name the hospital.

The appeal was posted on Facebook and Twitter on Friday evening, by MediaCorp Zhang Zhenhuan, appealing for donors. 

He wrote, "Urgent requirement for blood and platelet trans-fusion by today," and said supplies of AB type at the blood bank were low.

He said donors should mention Chen's given name, Tan Boon Chong, and his identity card number, and that his blood type is AB.

The post went viral after fans and friends of both men re-posted the note on their pages.

According to the Straits Times, Chen's friends and colleagues - including actors Christopher Lee, Zheng Geping and Mark Lee, rushed to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), where the blood bank is, to give blood.

Chen took part in Star Search in 1993, alongside Ann Kok, Ivy Lee, Lina Ng, and San Yow.

A check by the Straits Times with the HSA showed that there was no shortage of blood or platelets, including those of AB blood type.

Its spokesman said there is no need for the patient's family and friends to make donations in return for the units of blood and platelets used.

She added that it is 'always best for AB patients to receive only AB blood type, unless under very unusual shortage of this same blood type'.