Blood service's drive to boost donations in run up Olympics (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Blood service's drive to boost donations in run up Olympics

1:40pm Tuesday 29th May 2012 in Wiltshire

People are being urged to create their own milestone as the Queen reaches 60 years on the throne – by renewing their commitment to giving blood or donating for the first time.

While the Queen will be marking her Diamond Jubilee, donors can give blood and save lives.

They can expect a royal welcome at local sessions and the knowledge that their donation can potentially save the lives of three adults or seven babies.

It is especially important to give blood around Bank Holidays, when donations traditionally dip as routines get disrupted.

This latest push is part of an ongoing campaign to boost blood stocks to 30 per cent above the usual levels before the Olympics.

The increase is needed because of the unusually high number of public events this summer which will see a high number of visitors heading to the UK.

Jon Latham, spokesperson for NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "The Diamond Jubilee is the first in a series of exciting events for the UK but we are asking people to remember hospital patients.

"Blood will be needed during the celebrations, as it is every day, so we would urge people to book an appointment now."

Blood is used when women suffer complcations during childbirth, to help premature babies, to replace blood lost during surgery and to treat patients with cancer and blood diseases like leukaemia.

Anyone wanting to donate for the first time should be aged between 17-65 and be in general good health.

If you’ve donated before, you can start again up to your 70th birthday and there is no upper age limit for donors who have donated in the last two years.

To find out more about blood sessions in June or to book an appointment call the Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk