I’ve tried a couple of times to give blood, but they won’t let me. That could change — Ban on blood donation … likely to be lifted:
A ban on people giving blood because of mad cow disease is likely to be lifted later this year … The ban … applied to anyone who had lived for six months or longer in the United Kingdom … between 1980 and 1996.

that’s something we have in common then.🙂 This changed in Ireland though in 2019.

I've given over 3 gallons of blood, until I studied in England while in college. Then it all stopped, and I haven't been able to donate since. This is good news!