Give a Little, Save a Life
Giving blood is a simple way to help others. It takes under an hour – and you could help to save someone’s life, writes Pippa Duncan
Imagine receiving a text telling you that your blood has arrived at the hospital where it’s helping a patient you’ll never meet. It’s a small message with enormous meaning – and it’s one that thousands of blood donors across the UK receive every week.
Giving blood is one of the simplest ways to make a real difference. Every day, hospitals rely on donations for emergency care, major surgery, cancer treatment, childbirth and patients living with conditions that require regular transfusions. Because blood can’t be manufactured, every donation comes from a volunteer. And with red blood cells lasting just 35 days, supplies constantly need replenishing, which is why new and returning donors are always needed.
Donating blood is very straight forward. After registering and completing a health questionnaire, a member of staff checks you’re fit to donate before you settle into a comfortable chair. The donation itself usually takes just five to ten minutes, although you’ll be at the venue for around an hour in total. Afterwards, it’s time to enjoy the traditional cup of tea (or squash), biscuits and a few minutes’ rest before heading on your way.
Your donation doesn’t stop there. Every unit is tested, processed and sent to the hospital where it’s needed most. If you’ve opted in to receive updates, NHS Blood and Transplant will usually send you a text telling you which hospital received your blood, and many donors also receive a map showing its journey. It’s a wonderful reminder that a simple act of kindness has had a direct impact on someone else’s life.
You can also donate plasma – the straw-coloured liquid that carries blood cells around the body. Plasma is used to make life-changing medicines for people with immune disorders, rare diseases and some cancers. The appointment takes a little longer than a whole blood donation, but the need is just as great.
Think donating isn’t for you? Many first-time donors worry about needles or assume they’ll be too busy, but most people say the anticipation is far worse than the donation itself. Friendly staff are on hand throughout, and the whole experience is calm, professional and surprisingly relaxing.
Whether you choose to donate once or make it part of your routine, it’s an hour that could change someone else’s future. It’s hard to think of a better way to spend it.
Did You Know?
One blood donation can help save or improve up to three lives
- You will be given a finger-prick test first tocheck your haemoglobin level to ensure you have enough iron to safely donate
- Donors can usually give whole blood every 16 weeks
- Many donors receive a text telling them which hospital their blood has helped
Where you can donate locally
There are a number of permanent locations for blood donations, whilst other venues set up the donation clinic on a regular basis. Find out more by putting in your postcode on the website, but these include Wandsworth Civic Suite, St Paul’s Centre Hammersmith, Chiswick Town Hall, Richmond Athletic Association and The Stoop, Twickenham.
Find out more at: blood.co.uk