PEOPLE in Warwickshire are being urged to help save lives by donating blood
Last year more than 10,000 people across Warwickshire gave blood to help patients in need.
But staff at the NHS Blood and Transplant service say they need even more to sign up – particularly young people, as half of all donors are over the age of 45.
They are also asking for more black people to give blood as they are the most commonly affected by Sickle Cell disease, which is the fastest growing genetic condition in the country.
Blood and Transplant donation director Mike Stredder said: “Every day blood donors from Warwickshire make a difference by saving people whose lives depend on blood, whether it is patients receiving treatment for cancer, blood disorders, after accidents, surgery or during childbirth.
“Thanks to the generosity of our loyal network of regular donors, we can ensure that hospitals have the blood needed to treat patients and make certain our stocks are strong enough to respond to major incidents and emergencies.
“At the same time, there is an ongoing need for more young donors to safeguard blood donation for future generations. And it is vital our blood donors reflect the diversity of the population because blood types vary across communities. Those who rely on regular transfusions need blood which is more closely matched which will often come from donors of the same ethnicity.
“Don’t worry if you’ve never given blood before and don’t know what blood group you are – you find out shortly after your first donation.
“What’s important is that you register as a donor and book your first appointment to donate. By saying ‘I’m there’, you can save the life of someone else, while going about yours.”
Visit www.blood.co.uk to sign up or find out more.
