People from the North East are being asked to make 2014 the year that they start saving lives by giving blood.
With the festive season coming to an end, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is hoping people will pledge to become regular blood donors for their New Year’s resolution.
The New Year period is often a particularly challenging time for blood stocks due to the wintry weather and dark nights keeping people indoors. And as hospitals need 7,000 units of blood each day to treat patients with chronic conditions like cancer and anaemia, along with people needing treatment for often life-threatening illnesses and injuries, NHSBT is encouraging new or returning donors to book an appointment in the first weeks of 2014.
Donna Batty, NHSBT’s lead donor relations manager for the North East area, said: “People often set themselves very difficult and drastic challenges for their New Year’s resolutions which they struggle to complete.
“However, we are asking people here to do something very simple which should only take around an hour of their time, a few times a year.  Making and keeping a New Year’s resolution to give blood will give you the satisfaction of knowing you are saving lives.
“We can also guarantee you a warm welcome, a nice drink and a biscuit to stave off the cold January weather.”
Anyone aged between 17-65, weighing more than 50 kg (7 stone 12lbs) and in general good health could potentially start saving lives by becoming a blood donor.
There is no upper age limit for donors who have donated in the last two years.
For more information or to book an appointment, call 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk
A session will be held on 20th January at Woodham Community Centre, St Elizabeth Close, Woodham. from 2.30pm – 4 pm and 4.45pm – 7pm.