RESIDENTS across the county are being asked to consider taking up a different New Year’s resolution for 2017, by becoming a blood donor.

A number of blood donation sessions are being set up in towns across Wiltshire over the New Year, with the NHS Blood and Transplant unit hoping that more and more people will generously donate to help save the lives of those who need it.

Donation sessions will be taking place at the Neeld Community and Arts Centre, the Devizes Corn Exchange, the Springfield Community Campus in Corsham, the Social Centre in Bromham and Marlborough Leisure Centre.

Mike Stredder, director of Blood Donation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “Blood donation is an amazing gift. Transfusions save lives and transform health for patients every day.

"Each donation can help or save up to three patients. Whether it is patients receiving treatment for cancer, blood disorders, after accidents or during surgery, or new mums who lost blood in childbirth, blood is an absolutely essential part of modern healthcare.”

Less than half of people who signed up to give blood in January 2016 went on to donate over the year so the appeal also goes out to people who are registered but haven’t donated yet.

“Despite overall blood use in hospitals declining, we need more young donors to safeguard blood donation for future generations.

"And it’s vital the blood donor community reflects the diversity of the population because blood types vary across communities and patients need well-matched blood,” added Mr Stredder.

“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. We particularly need new A negative and O negative donors.”

Anyone who is healthy, weigh over seven stone and 12 lbs and are aged between 17-66 are able to give blood, over 70s are also welcome if they have given blood before. To register and book an appointment to become a donor visit www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.

Mr Stredder said: “It’s easy to sign up to become a blood donor and book an appointment, online, via an app or on the phone.

"Each donation can potentially save up to three lives. In 2017 don’t just give up, give.”