Run by the NHS Blood and Transplant service (NHSBT), the bank in Bristol has now issued more than 1,000 units.
Umbilical cords are rich in stem cells and the cord blood can be donated after birth without impacting baby or mother.
It is cryogenically frozen until a match is found.
Jade’s cord was donated in 1996 and transported to Australia in 1998, becoming the first cord blood issued.
“I’ve always known we donated, my mum talks about it. It’s nice to have been part of the early days,” she said.
“It’s done what we wanted the donation to do, save a life.
“You’re not going to use it, there’s nothing you can really do with it, why not donate it to help someone?” Jade added.