| Be Prepared to Give |
As part of the celebrations for World Blood Donor Day (14 June) NHS Blood and Transplant (
The district is campaigning for family members to join up as each group races to come top of the lifesaver league. The best performing groups will be ranked on the table and rewarded with prizes.
The theme for celebrations this year is ‘New blood for the world’ encouraging the next generation of blood donors to come forward. Darren Bowen Lead Donor Relations Manager for NHSBT said:
“World Blood Donor Day is all about youth this year, so we are delighted to work with Blaydon Scouts. We are counting on the support of family and friends to not only fill in a life saving pledge but come and donate.”
World Blood Donor Day is an international event and now takes place every year on the 14 June. This commemorates the birth date of Karl Landsteiner in 1868, who discovered the ABO blood group system. It is the discovery of this system that made blood transfusion possible.
Peter Jensen, District Commissioner Blaydon Scouts said:
“We recognise just how important blood donation really is, so we are more than happy to help out. The decision to give blood is a lifesaving one.
The appeal also takes on extra significance as the World Cup kicks off. During the World Cup in 2006 blood stocks fell by almost a fifth and hit their lowest level in the summer months for five years.
Darren added:
“We want to avoid a similar drop this year and call on all existing and new donors to plan ahead and do their bit. Transfusions are only possible because of volunteers.”
Blood donors can donate three times a year. The process takes around an hour - with the actual donation taking about ten minutes.
To become a donor you need to be aged 17 - 65, weigh more than 50 kg (7 stone 12lbs) and be in general good health. There is no upper age limit for donors who have donated in the last two years. To book an appointment call the Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk
