The National Blood Service

Fruitcake

We had a visit today from the local Bloodmobile at the factory where I work. I just want to say a big thank you to the wonderful people who run these units. I felt uncomfortable with them thanking me for giving blood when all I had to do was lie there and then have a cuppa and biccie afterwards.
Day in day out they travel all around the three local counties (Gloucester, Bristol, and Somerset,) working up to 12 hours a day to collect this most precious commodity.

They make it so easy for me to donate. They arrange a time and date to suit me, then come and park on the route from the car park to my office.

THEY are doing something really amazing, not me.

brightonman123

like he said. i am up to 36 'pints', so far.

pinkshoes

I've only managed 8 "pints" so far, but am trying to go every single time now I've stopped moving around the country!

It don't particularly like it, but I do it for my dad who used up a helluva lot of blood in a serious operation, and can no longer give blood himself due to the medication he has to now take.

And yes, we get a free cup of tea and a biscuit for doing it! Now everyone reading, go give blood!! (Or at least look up when and where your nearest session is!)

Petlamb

That's great - my mum has given a lot too (though im not sure on the exact total).

I'm still not allowed.. oh well. (i wont go into my thoughts on their rules, lol, it is the way it is... and it's their decision which im sure they dont make lightly.) Maybe someday i will be able to, lol.

nephilim

i used to give, but cant anymore due to surgery, but i gave about 10 pints....and the nurses there are just lovely, always up for a chat

MothballsWallet

I don't think I could donate - I think there's something wrong with my blood, and I spent a year in NZ. If I'd moved there for good, not being NZ born (regardless of your health) would stop you from being a donor to their blood service.

pinkshoes

There's a lot of countries that won't accept blood donations from anyone who's been in the UK for more than a 6 month period, because of our mad cow disease!!

My australian cousin visited the UK for a year, so she can no longer donate in Australia, despite being born there!

Heva2015

I just want to say thanks to everyone who donates blood. I had cancer at 17 and received lots of units of blood and platelets. You have enough to worry about when something like that happens but I never once worried about there not being enough blood...it just didn't cross my mind...but some supplies are running really low now. You guys should receive the 5 star service compliments..you are saving lives every day!

sillyvixen

if you are able to give blood please do - it really does save lives it costs you nothing but a bit of time. the staff are great and very good at putting peoples mind at rest and they give you free tea and biscuits. a really worthwhile was of donating to charity - even if you are skint. a really practicel way of doing you bit!