talkmagic.co.uk

Not to put too fine a point on things, this is a blatant appeal for folks to become blood donors. certainly in the UK. At the time of writing there needs to be a 60% increase in donations by 2016/2017 and part of this is being achieved by increasing the frequency of donations, four times a year for men, three times a year for women – the difference is due to men having greater stores of iron compared to women and there are studies ongoing to see if 10 week or even 8 week intervals would be safe. In particular more young donors are needed as well as those from black and ethnic minorities – this is to reflect the changing needs of the service and the patients who need blood. The current target is 100,000 new donors in the next 100 days – a big figure but totally do-able.

Google is your friend when it comes to finding out where and when you can donate and, apart from a little initial discomfort, it really does not hurt! I’ve been a blood donor for more years than I care to remember and the whole process changes each time I attend a session so it’s never boring. One thing which has remained virtually unchanged is the tea & biscuits after donating although the range on offer has greatly expanded. Thanks goodness there are still chocolate bourbons! Kit Kats, Club biscuits, fruit, crisps and other snacks are there for anyone who wants them, tea, coffee, squash and water are there as well.

Please seriously consider becoming a donor if you can and you really will be working true life-saving miracles.

Thank you.

I donate blood just for the tea and biscuits afterwards. I totally agree with Mandrake, it's a really good thing to do, it doesn't take long and really doesn't hurt at all. I've been going twice a year since I was 18. Giving blood could really help to save a life and you never know when you're going to need it yourself.

You're also allowed to mutter such phrases as:

I’m here to give blood. It was”either that or join the Young Conservatives”
"Rhesus? They're monkeys aren't they?"
"I don't mind giving a reasonable amount, but a pint! That's very nearly an armful!"

But not very loudly !

I donated blood just twice. Both times took over an hour, and left me badly bruised. The problem was a very high red blood cell count, and thick blood. That said, if I could, I would. A real convenient way to make a big difference in someone's life.

Hmmm!! To be honest I used to donate a fair bit a few years ago, but have been really busy at work and running my business from home lately. (no excuse) But reading this post does make you think about the benefits that donating blood can do, and why I started donating in the first place.. Once the blood bank mobile unit returns to my town, will try and give some of my blood to them..Honest!! But then again, I do work in a hospital.

Over 20 donations here. I've had bad service of late so stopped going. For taking the time and effort ill start attending again.

Good man mandrake.

Having lived in the UK during the mad cow disease episode, I am no longer entitled to give blood in France or in the Czech Republic. Scary.