Give Blood and Help Save a Life

People across Covent Garden are being urged to show some festive spirit by giving blood this December. As the Christmas holidays approach and many people are busy preparing for the festive break by shopping and celebrating with family and friends, it's easy to forget that appointment in the diary to donate blood.
 
NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is asking people to think of hospital patients who rely on vital blood transfusions during December - those receiving life-saving cancer treatments, surgery and emergency care which continues in hospitals every day of the year.
 
In addition to the challenges that Christmas can bring, if last year's wintry weather repeats itself, blood donations could fall by as much as 20% over the festive season.
 
Dominic Sutherland, Lead Donor Relations Manager at NHSBT, said: \"The arctic conditions across the country last winter presented severe challenges for the blood supply, yet blood donors made heroic efforts to reach donation sessions. We are now calling on our regular donors to show warm hearts by helping to save lives and making a date to donate this Christmas.\"
 
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