Be there for someone else - World Blood Donor Day

Today is World Blood Donor Day which aims to raise awareness for the need for regular blood donations and thank those who have already given blood.

Every day the NHS needs around 6,000 blood donations to meet the needs of patients across England, this is why donating blood helps save millions of lives every year. If you haven’t donated blood before then it is really simple, just register this way, check you are eligible and book an appointment. Remember to turn up for that appointment of course.

Donating blood can be a life-saving gift and even allow those with life-threatening conditions to live longer with a higher quality of life. Not only that but it is also used in complex medical procedures, maternal and childcare circumstances and emergency responses to natural disasters. Donating blood can be your way of making a difference and giving someone else an opportunity in life.

The majority of people between the ages of 17-65 are able to give blood, but currently, around half of the current donors are over 45. Younger donors are needed to ensure that we have enough blood in the future. The NHS has also stressed how they need more donations for different blood groups and types, which mainly includes ethnic communities.