Join Telegraph campaign and give blood in Scunthorpe area to help save lives

THE Scunthorpe Telegraph is launching a campaign to help save lives by getting 100 people to give blood.

We have teamed up with NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) to launch the Save A Life campaign – which is being backed by 15-year-old leukaemia sufferer Ayshea Singh.

Scunthorpe General Hospital is supplied around 5,000 units of blood a year, but it always needs more.

Now readers can get involved by signing up to be a blood donor.

Holly Mason, lead donor relations manager at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "Blood saves and improves lives. Ayshea is one example of how blood donors help others.

"Blood is needed by patients across North Lincolnshire every day.

"One unit of blood can save or improve the lives of up to three adults or seven newborn babies, so this simple action can have such a huge and amazing impact.

"We are grateful to the Scunthorpe Telegraph for raising awareness of the need for more blood donors."

Anyone who is generally healthy and aged over 17 can potentially donate blood.

And it could not be easier to take part.

A spokeswoman for NHS Blood and Transplant said: "When you arrive at a session, you will be asked to read some information and fill in a health check questionnaire.

"You may have a confidential chat with a nurse.

"A tiny drop of blood is taken from your fingertip to check haemoglobin levels and make sure that giving blood will not make you anaemic.

"If all is well, you will be able to donate blood.

"Just under a pint is taken and is quickly replaced by your body.

"Afterwards you should have a short rest then some refreshments, usually a drink and biscuits."

People are asked to make an appointment where possible.

You are able to drop by, but a time is not guaranteed for an appointment.

Around 7,000 units of blood are needed daily across the UK.

Each blood donation is 470mls, just under a pint, and is known as a unit of blood.

There are four main blood groups – O, A, B and AB. Group O is the most common and most in demand.

A regular supply of blood is also vital – red cells only last 35 days and platelets seven days.

NHS Blood and Transplant collects around two million units of blood a year.

This is used to treat people suffering from leukaemia, cancer, sickle cell anaemia or thalassemia, people who suffer trauma through accidents, problems in childbirth or those who are undergoing general surgery. It also helps combat illnesses in newborn babies.

Have blood donors saved your life? Call Simon Leonard on 01724 273130 or e-mail simon.leonard@gsmg.co.uk

WHERE YOU CAN SIGN UP TO DONATE BLOOD

Brigg

Wednesday, January 16 at the Ancholme Leisure Centre on Scawby Road. 1.45pm to 4pm and 5pm to 7.15pm.

Scunthorpe

Friday, January 25 at The Pods on Ashby Road. 1.15pm to 4pm and 5pm to 7.15pm.

Scunthorpe

Wednesday, January 30 at the Wortley House Hotel on Rowland Road. 1.15pm to 4pm and 5pm to 7.15pm.

Broughton

Friday, February 1 at Broughton Village Hall on High Street. 1.45pm to 4pm and 5pm to 7.15pm.

Scunthorpe

Thursday, February 14 at The Royal Hotel on Doncaster Road. 1.15pm to 4pm and 5pm to 7.15pm.

Scunthorpe

Friday, February 15 at Scunthorpe General Hospital.

10am to 1pm and 2pm to 3.30pm.

People wishing to attend any of these sessions can sign up at www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 1232323. Time-tabled slots can be booked online or people can turn up, although a time will not be guaranteed and they may have to wait.