Call for residents to donate blood
WIDNES and Runcorn residents have been invited to join the 172 blood donors from Halton who donated for the first time in 2017.
NHS Blood And Transport (NBT) said 2,186 Cheshire inhabitants registered for the first time during the year and the organisation is now hoping to top that figure in 2018.
The organisation urged residents to make it their New Year’s resolution to sign up.
A spokeswoman for the organisation said 900,000 donors gave blood in England in 2017 and NBT needs around 200,000 extra donors every year to maintain the supply.
Donors are needed from all blood groups but there is a particular need for more donations from black and Asian sources.
The spokeswoman said that in general, eligibility is straightforward.
Donors must be fit and healthy, weigh more than seven stone 12 pounds, or 50kg, and be aged between 17 and 66 or up to 70 if they have given blood before.
Anyone over 70 must have given blood in the last two years to continue donating.
Existing donors can also consider becoming a platelet donor.
The spokeswoman added that NBT particularly needs donors with the A negative blood group as they can help any patient, regardless of blood type.
She said one platelet donation can help up to three adults or 12 babies or children.
Mike Stredder, NBT’s director of blood donation, said: “It’s New Year and like many of us, you may be thinking about the year ahead and some changes you’d like to make to your life.
“Perhaps you want to cut down on drinking, eat more healthily or are considering joining a gym?
“This year we are asking people in Cheshire to focus on giving and to register to give blood.
“It’s easy to sign up and book your first appointment online or via our mobile phone app.
“By donating blood you will save or improve the lives of up to three people. Do something amazing in 2018. Give blood.”
To register visit www.blood. co.uk or download the app by searching ‘ NHSGiveBlood’ in the app store.
Alternatively call the Donor Line on 0300 123 2323.