Thanks for your replies & suggestions. I think I will give it another try & see how it goes.
The form they had me fill out prior to donating had a lot of questions regarding visiting & living in Africa & Mexico so
I guess they are on the watch list for "cannot donate" as well as the UK. The couple beside me mentioned they were going
to Mexico for a 2 week holiday & were told they could not give blood for a year after returning.