Plea for blood donors to keep on giving

A NHS Blood and Transplant Service spokeswoman said: “Blood donations dropped by three per cent during the two weeks of Wimbledon from the previous fortnight and during the Olympic Games, stocks could potentially take another dip.

“We want to avoid this happening by reminding blood donors and those thinking about giving blood for the first time in Rotherham to donate to keep stocks healthy during and after the games.”

Donated blood is used not only in accident and emergency situations, but also for patients undergoing surgery and receiving treatment for cancer and blood diseases, such as leukaemia.

Currently, 7,000 units of blood are needed every day to help save the lives of sick and injured patients across England and North Wales.

Anyone aged between 17 to 65, weighing more than 50 kg (7st 12lbs) and in general good health could potentially start saving lives by becoming a blood donor.

There is no upper age limit for donors who have donated in the last two years.

To book an appointment and find out where and when your nearest session is, call the Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk.

READ MORE