World Blood Donor Day falls on 14th June this year and it is an ideal time to highlight this important activity.  We have many staff members who are regular blood donors and two of them have shared their stories below.

Ross Smith Senior HR Business Partner told us "There are three main reasons I give blood, firstly because it’s a great thing to do for someone else that is in need, two I promised my wife I would give back as much blood as she used during a fairly traumatic pregnancy (now treble that amount donated and counting….) and lastly because I have a rare blood type B- which only 2% of the Scottish population have and there are not many donators. My view is it is only an hour of my time every three months, the nurses are always really nice and you are helping to save someone’s life, so it feels like a great thing to do."

Heather Paterson Recruitment Coordinator said  "Giving blood is such an easy thing to do which has a massive impact on others. Every time someone donates they can save up to 3 lives, for 10 minutes of lying down that isn’t bad! I go regularly and recently received my "10 pints" pin.  I go because I like to think that I am making a difference to someone who really needs it, and they also give out free biscuits after, it’s a win for everyone!

The NHS Blood and Transplant website regularly updates their latest stock levels by blood group so you can easilty see if your blood group is currently particularly in demand so why not take a look and consider going along to donate. https://www.blood.co.uk/news-and-campaigns/campaigns/urgent-bloodstock-appeal/