Save someone’s life while going about yours
This summer, we are celebrating National Blood Week (19th – 25th June) by showing that by being a blood donor, you are able to save lives while going about yours.
So, you can be here and be there. You don’t need to be in theatre to help the person on the operating table. You don’t need to be on the oncology ward to help the person battling cancer. Helping to save lives can be easy; all you need to do is give blood and you’ll be there.
As a blood donor, you are one of 900,000 people that selflessly give up their time to save the lives of others. But we need more.
This year alone, we need 200,000 new blood donors to help continue saving lives. We also urgently need 40,000 new black donors. This is to replace donors that can no longer donate, and to make sure that we have the right mix of blood groups.
Mike Stredder, director of blood donation, said, “We urgently need new black donors to help patients with sickle cell: a serious condition and the fastest growing genetic blood disorder in the UK.
“Through closely matched blood for sickle cell patients, we can save them from extreme pain, life threatening infections and other complications such as stroke or loss of vision.
“We hope that the campaign will show what an important part blood donors play in saving lives, and will encourage others to do the same.”
As committed blood donors, please do encourage friends and family to sign up as blood donors this summer.
You can also help to support us by using the hashtags #GiveBlood and #ImThere during National Blood Week and sharing your reasons for donating. If you’re eligible to donate, please make an appointment or call 0300 123 23 23. As always, thank you for your continued support. Thank you for being there.
In this issue of The Donor magazine
Helping young people get the message
Have you had the conversation?