The best way to encourage blood donations

SIR – Recent letters (June 11) have discussed the decline in the number of men donating blood.

When I was young my employer encouraged staff to do this. Donating with colleagues made it a social event – an incentive to keep going. I determined to carry on as I saw the hugely beneficial effect that a blood transfusion had on the quality of life of my daughter as she fought cancer.

I have recently made my 107th donation, but as I am nearly 70 a younger man will soon need to take over. I suggest that employers, club organisers and members of social media groups encourage young men to donate and to keep donating. Ian Burton

Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire

SIR – I live in a small town of 20,000 people that, until two years ago, had regular visits from the NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) service.

These were always well-attended: the venue was within walking distance but also had a free car park for those who needed it. Then the NHSBT decided that it wasn’t viable to maintain our donation centre. It offered alternatives – but all require the use of a car, and at least two are in places that charge for parking.

Little wonder that people like me have decided that the NHSBT wants its donors to make all the effort and is heedless of the inconvenience caused. Brandon Ashton

Yateley, Hampshire

SIR – I think Rosemarie Lawani’s husband has been unfortunate in his experience of blood-donation staff (Letters, June 11).

I have donated for 50 years and have never experienced anything but politeness and friendliness.

However, I would criticise the level of risk-aversion. My donation was recently rejected, despite my having a letter from a consultant cardiologist confirming that it was quite safe for me to donate. I appreciate that care is needed for both donor and recipient, but this is taking it to extremes. I have also been rejected by a London centre as they didn’t need my blood type. Janet Jamieson

London SE3