The ITV2 Blood Squad returns
The ITV2 Blood Squad returned for a second year during Halloween and this time it was bigger than ever.
In 2018, the ITV2 Blood Squad recruited thousands of new donors who helped save or improve the lives of up to 30,000 people.
But we’re didn't stop there! Fuelled by our success ITV2 and NHS Blood and Transplant joined forces again to recruit new members.
Some of ITV2’s biggest faces showed that blood donation doesn’t have to be scary.
Giving blood is quick, easy and saves lives – your donation can save the lives of up to three people!
ITV2 Blood Squad highlights
Curtis Pritchard donated live on TV
L
ove Island’s Curtis Pritchard did his bit for the squad by giving blood for the first time on Halloween.
But this wasn’t any ordinary donation – Curtis gave blood live on ITV’s Lorraine programme.
He told Lorraine he was inspired to give blood after he was attacked when out with his brother last year.
Before donating Curtis admitted being, “quite excited but a bit nervous”.
However, his nerves disappeared once the donation started and he realised how straightforward it is.
“I was expecting a lot more pain but it’s easy,” he said.
Amy Hart gave blood for the first time
Another member of the squad also donated blood for the first time.
Love Island’s Amy Hart took time out of her busy schedule to give blood and show there’s nothing to fear.
Amy explained: “We need to start a blood-giving culture from a young age!
“If you start donating blood when you’re 17, you can continue to donate throughout your life and ultimately keep the blood banks going.
“My previous job as cabin crew prevented me from being able to give blood on a regular basis, but now I can, I will.”
And true to her word, as soon as Amy joined the squad she signed on the dotted line and got her appointment booked in.
Dr Alex George shared his experiences
ITV2 Blood Squad member, Dr Alex George talked about his experiences of blood donation.
“I see first-hand how blood donation saves lives. As a front-line hospital doctor I’m faced with daily situations where blood is needed urgently.
“There’s so many scenarios where we need blood, from cancer patients to those with serious injuries though to knife victims or women in difficult labour. In C sections sometimes four, five, six units of blood is needed.
“We’re so lucky to have blood readily available – without it we might not be able to save a mother or baby’s life from a complicated labour.
“I think the most I’ve ever seen is 20 units of blood in one person who had been injured in a car accident.
“Once you use the blood you lay it out on the counter and I remember counting 20 units of blood, which is catastrophic bleeding out of the aorta.
“Without the blood on standby, that person would have been dead. It’s as simple as that.”
Become a blood donor
Halloween may be over but there's still time to get involved. To join the squad in England you need to register online and book an appointment.
A quick word about appointments – don’t worry if you can’t get an appointment straightaway so book an appointment now for a few months’ time.
Top tip: our 23 permanent donor centres often have more appointment availability so take a look at these if you live or work near one.
Not in England? Find out about giving blood in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Who are the ITV2 Blood Squad?
The interviewers
Emily Atack and Joel Dommett are heart and soul of the operation; dispelling the myths about blood donation and helping make the ITV2 Blood Squad a team everyone can be a part of. They also love the free biscuits.
The wolfman
Love Island's Tommy sniffs out potential new donors. He’s full of energy and always gets his teeth into any task given to him.
The vampires
Love Island's Anna, Yewande, Molly-Mae and Amy. Being vampires, they know a thing or two about blood. With their hypnotic powers they’ll have donors coming forward left, right and centre.
The witch
Lady Leshurr’s rhyming will have donors spell bound to deliver their life saving blood.
The hood
Love Island's Curtis is our hooded assailant. Instead of creeping around scaring trick-or-treaters he’s on the hunt for donors to give blood and save lives.
The zombies
Despite Ibiza Weekender's Jordan and David’s moaning and groaning, they will tirelessly pursue new donors. This non-stop attitude makes them vital for the squad.
Dr Alex
The squad’s resident brain in a box, well jar. He's the man in the know, and his medical knowledge is always on hand to calm any fears and help get new donors.