Blood Donation Day

Evening All,

Something a little more serious to blog tonight. I promised I'd pass on this link via my blog today in aid of Blood Donation Day, for someone I worked with whilst still at English Heritage. I know she has a very specific reason to call on everyone to do something amazing and donate and so do I.

Over the years I have sat besides my Mom and Brothers as my Dad has undergone open heart surgery twice and 2 hip replacement operations. All 4 procedures required a lot of blood transfusions to make sure he came back to us from these ordeals. As he, and I, are one of the rarest blood groups in the country I know the fear that there may not be enough blood in reserve to be on hand for him, that even a pint too little could be the difference between everything being ok and something going wrong.

In recent years I have had friends and other relatives who have had to undergo lifesaving surgery and on top of all the concerns that spring to mind there is always that small nagging voice that questions whether there is going to be enough blood on hand for them..... have enough strangers given up an hour of their time to help save a life?

Last week I went to give blood at my local session, as I have done ever since I turned 17. I didn't have an appointment - I just walked in to the session and told that there was nearly an hours wait. I didn't mind, it was gratifying to see so many people trying to do their bit. I was disheartened though, about half an hour later, when a young lady declared loudly (after hearing the waiting time) 'I have better things to do then wait for you lot, this is the last time I try to help' and leaving. Don't be that person, don't think that an hour of your time to give a pint of blood is a waste - it isn't!

It's a horrifying statistic that only 4% of the population provides blood for the rest. There are only so many lives that blood can help.

What about those who don't get the blood they need? What about their families?

Take a minute a think. Could you give blood? are you over 17 and healthy? Have you ever thought it's something you'd like to do but had never looked into it further? if so, please take a look at either the Give Blood or Scotblood today, now. Don't put it off. Make an appointment and go.

Please.

Someone like you ensured that I still have a dad today.

Do something amazing. Give Blood.

Thank you.