General News
7 March, 2025
Simmo’s ‘Bloody Good Tour’ drops in to Warrnie
YOU’RE never too busy to save a life.
That’s just one of several mantras Simmo Braun, a father of three and self-proclaimed ‘bloody good human’ follows every day.
With three young children in tow, Simmo is currently making his way around Australia calling in to as many blood banks as possible to donate blood, plasma and platelets.
And with each stopover he makes, he also ensures he takes the time to encourage others to make a donation – whether it’s their first time or they are considering a return visit.
During a short stop-over in Warrnambool earlier this week, Simmo took time to speak with the Weekly about his tour to date, and his plans for the future.
“So far on this tour, which began on the Central Coast of New South Wales (which is home for me), I have made 252 donations and the Warrnambool blood bank will be the 60th donor centre I’ve visited,” he said.
Of those 252 donations, 24 have been blood donations, 177 plasma and 44 platelets.
“We can all make time in our busy lives to help save others and this is one way we can all contribute,” Simmo said.
“I’ve been a blood donor for more than 25 years and for me it’s a no-brainer. I have three young children of my own, aged between eight and three, and for me blood donation is part of my identity and I make sure my children know the importance of this.
“They are enjoying a great life on the road, interacting with other children when we stop in towns and stay at caravan parks, and they are also continuing their education.
“I also run wellbeing workshops at caravan parks and am constantly talking about the importance of becoming a donor.”
Simmo’s travels have already taken him through Tasmania, Queensland, northern New South Wales, regional New South Wales, into the ACT and he is now winding his way through Victoria.
After a brief stop in Warrnambool this week, Simmo and his family headed to Geelong.
“I’ve also got Ballarat, Bendigo and Mildura on my radar before starting to wind our way home – with plans to be home by the end of July.”
While this most recent journey began just a few months ago, the seeds were planted more than two years ago.
“I faced some pretty big life challenges just over two years ago,” he said.
“My partner and I separated, the kids weren’t well and there was a fair bit going on.
“I headed to a donor centre to give blood and while I was there I suddenly realised that I was happy. I was in my happy place - the best way to get out of your own head space is to get in to someone else’s heart.”
For Simmo, that initial blood donation gave him a sense of purpose; a feeling of self-worth.
“I have since discovered that Australia imports about half of its plasma product needs but what if that tap suddenly turns off? What happens then?
“Almost anyone can give blood. It’s painless, it takes a small amount of your day and you walk away feeling good about yourself – what’s not to like about that?”
And to top it off, Simmo believes that all donation centres he has visited so far have all been “happy places.”
“It’s like 45 minutes of self-care; you can read a book, do some guilt-free surfing on your social pages and then enjoy a milkshake and a snack most times. It’s an absolute no-brainer.
“What small thing can you do today to make tomorrow better?”
Anyone wishing to follow Simmo’s ‘The Bloody Good Tour’ can follow him online.
