B Positive about giving, says Ron
ABRITAIN’S Got Talent contestant from Lancashire is using his singing skills to encourage people to give blood.
Ronald Clark was delighted to have reached the next round of the TV competition with the B Positive choir after it received four “yes” votes from the judges.
B Positive is the official 48-member choir for the NHS Blood Transfusion and Transplant service and aims to inspire more people to give blood.
Ronald is a key worker for Lancashire County Council.
The 48-year-old lives in Preston and has worked with young people and families in West Lancashire, and other parts of the county since he joined the authority in 1979.
He is busy getting ready for his next TV appearance, but he’s no stranger to the music scene.
He was part of the dance group Felix in the 1990s and sang on the track Stars, helping the single into the top 10 in 1993.
Ronald said: “I’ve always loved singing. I do a lot of gospel plus some soul, R’n’B and jazz.
“As blood donation is very close to my heart I jumped at the chance to sing with the choir.
“I think the choir can give a real animated context and a passionate relevance to blood donation in a creative, emotional and fun way that can really resonate in people’s minds. Giving blood is such a simple act - you walk into a centre, donate, have a cup of tea and a biscuit and get on with your day.
“It normally takes less than an hour.
“What you don’t see of course is the seismic impact it has on another human being.
“You change the life of so many people.
“I still give blood and encourage people I know to do the same by taking someone new with me each time.”
During his time at the county council, Ronald has worked with young people to help them to take part in community activities at venues such as schools, basketball courts, parks and colleges.
His job involves helping to run Preston Youth Council.
In his spare time, he runs a Duke of Edinburgh’s award group at Grimshaw Community Centre. He said: “I’m passionate about working with young people.
“It’s important that they have every opportunity to be independent, achieve and develop the skills they need to succeed.
“I feel I can help them to do this in my job at the county council.
“I see giving blood as an extension of my service to the communities I work in and I hope I help to encourage people to do the same when they see me with B Positive or come with me to the blood clinic.
“I’d encourage anyone who can give blood to find out where their nearest clinic is, make an appointment and help to save lives.”
Find out where to give blood by visiting www. blood.co.uk
For more information about B Positive, visit www.blood.co.uk/bpositive/