A big thank you has been issued to donors and supporters across the North East after National Blood Week 2013 easily exceeded its targets.
The themed week, which ran from June 10th, aimed to educate the public about blood donation and register 10,000 new blood donors nationally.
And thanks to an overwhelming response from the public, NHS Blood and Transplant managed to smash that target and sign up almost 11,400 people, with 440 of those in the North East.
NHS Blood and Transplant spokesperson, Donna Batty, said: “We are delighted that National Blood Week had such a strong response and we are very grateful for all the support we had from our donors and the public here in the North East which made it possible.
We constantly need new donors – and in particular younger donors – to replace the 200,000 people nationally who have to retire from donating each year due to factors like poor health and certain medication, so I would urge people to keep coming forwards. “Giving blood is easy, doesn’t take long to do and can help up to three people.”
Anyone aged between 17-65, weighing more than 50 kg (7st 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 visit www.blood.co.uk or contact 0300 123 23 23.
The next seesion in town is on 15th July at Newton Aycliffe Methodist Church Hall, Neville Paradefrom 2.30-4pm and 4.45-7pm.
