The National Blood Service (NBS) is encouraging Ferryhill and Chilton residents to part with a pint this New Year, if they are eligible to do so, and become local lifesavers.
The need for blood is constant and every year many regular donors have to stop for health reasons so new donors are always needed. The process is simple, most people find it painless and it should take around an hour.
The NBS needs 7,000 donations across the country every day to maintain healthy blood stocks.
Donated blood is used for a wide range of treatments and conditions, including accidents and emergencies, general surgery and for those patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
A single donation can be broken into three component parts (red cells, plasma and platelets) which means one donation can help save or improve the lives of up to three people. You may be able to give to blood if you are aged between 17 and 65, weigh over 7st 12lb (50kg) and are in good health. There is no upper age limit for blood donation if you have donated over the last two years.
The next local blood drive will take place on Thursday, January 14th, from 2.30pm to 4.00pm, and again from 4.30pm to 7.00pm at Bishop Auckland Scout Centre on Kingsway.
For more information or to book an appointment, visit www.blood.co.uk or phone 0300 123 23 23.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
