Become A Blood Donor
Every day new medical treatments are being developed and more operations are being carried out in the UK. Not surprisingly, then, The National Blood Service constantly needs donations for these vital procedures. About 2.5 million a year, to be exact.
So why not give blood and become a life-saver? It’s not a difficult thing to do. When you show up, they’ll ask you a few questions about your health and lifestyle (just to make sure you haven’t been exposed to anything infectious). Then they’ll take a drop of blood from your finger to make sure you’re not anaemic. And then they’ll take your blood donation – just under a pint. It takes about 10 minutes. Most people don’t feel a thing. Apart from a tremendous sense of well-being that, that is.
Search for you nearest session online.
Or you can call 0845 7 711 711 to find out more.
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06 Sep 2005
I’m doing this so Paul doesn’t have to!
23 Sep 2005
It’s true, you do get a tremendous sense of well-being…you could also get a little light headed but the staff are very friendly and helpful! They are also extremely grateful for your donation. After years of putting it off I would now recommend everyone gives it a try if they can!
Steve Bamford
Stroud, GB , 30 Sep 2005
Found this just in time to remind me to go to the session next week. I’ve been a donor for a while, but Lucinda signed up the day after she was old enough to qualify,- which I think is quite encouraging.
30 Sep 2005
I’ve been doing this since the girls were very little. They were good at sitting still, so I would take them along. They shared the snacks (in Germany they give 100 gram chocolate bars). By the time they were 17 they were raring to go to the clinics themselves. They were very disappointed that on return to Canada they would not be able to donate due to BSE, but Canada has just relaxed the rules. Yeah!!
10 Oct 2005
i went to give blood when i was 18, took a three of girlfriends with me, though they said they wouldnt do it they just wanted to watch. turned out that i cant give blood- my pressure is so low that it was nigh on impossible to give the first sample, and even now ten years later drs/nurses still struggle to draw blood- but my girlfriends decided to give blood afterall. turned out helen has such a rare blood type that some sick babies need, so she was encouraged to give blood very regularly, and sometimes is called to make a quick donation. so they didnt get my blood that day, but they did get three new doners instead which, all in all, was a pretty good effort on my part ;-)
GB , 28 Oct 2005
Also consider giving differently – platelet donations are 12 times more efficient than your regular blood donations in terms of how many people they will benefit (they are specifically used for people who are undergoing radio or chemotherapy for cancer or leukaemia, so they’re not for general usage) and you can give every month. It takes a couple of hours and is a different procedure to normal blood donation so ask the right people all the right questions first!
You can check this out the next time you go to give blood – although you do need to get to the centres (which for NI/Scot/S.Wales are in Belfast, Aberdeen, Dundee, Inverness, Edinburgh, Glasgow, near Cardiff and I tried to find out on the English ones but platelet details were hard to come by on their website…).
Also, go on the bone marrow register if you’re game! Again, details on the websites; here are the other UK sites too:
www.welsh-blood.org.uk www.scotblood.co.uk www.nibts.org
Stroud, GB , 01 Dec 2005
They say it only takes 10 minutes – well the actual donation may oinly take this long, but you do need to allow about an hour for the whole process I am afraid! a large part of this is taken up with waiting to be processed before the donation… Andrew
Stroud, GB , 01 Dec 2005
They say it only takes 10 minutes – well the actual donation may oinly take this long, but you do need to allow about an hour for the whole process I am afraid! a large part of this is taken up with waiting to be processed before the donation… Andrew
Stroud, GB , 01 Dec 2005
They say it only takes 10 minutes – well the actual donation may oinly take this long, but you do need to allow about an hour for the whole process I am afraid! a large part of this is taken up with waiting to be processed before the donation… Andrew
GB , 11 Dec 2005
One of us has done this for years- now 2 more! Really encoraged by seeing 17 year old Tom & several of his friends donating
07 Jan 2006
I will do this when I am old enough! I pressed the button thinking it was the organ donor one!
10 Jan 2006
I can’t do this one but am only alive today thanks to an 8 unit transfusion.5 years on i am truly grateful to all you generous souls.
THANKYOU
17 Jan 2006
I tried to do this after a year ago but failed as they couldn’t get enough blood out of me, but am going to try again soon! I am ill at the moment, but as soon as I feel better..
London, GB , 24 Jan 2006
Been a donor since I was 19 but haven’t been able to give much since then as I’m sometimes bording on slightly anaemic. Still, I do try and go now and then, but I haven’t been for a while so this is one of my actions for this month!
25 Jan 2006
Been meaning to do this for years. Signed up, saw this and decided to make the effort. Luckily there was a session in a nearby town the same day so I have now donated for the first time.
14 Feb 2006
Robin already gives blood regularly – I (Lorraine) used to but got pregnant three times over a six year period! You can’t donate whilst pregnant or for one year after childbirth, so I got out of the habit, will try to grt back to it. Thanks for the prompt.
Pudsey, GB , 19 Feb 2006
I’ve been a blood donor since age 18 (except for gaps after foreign travels). For the first time ever I fainted whilst donating – embarassing as the nurses and also various other donors know I am a local GP!!! :)
Stroud, GB , 25 Feb 2006
Just given my 50th donation…
26 Feb 2006
My wife has just taken the plunge after a few years away, and is back giving blood, I use the excuse that I have to watch the kids, but must do this soon
31 Mar 2006
I am very proud of myself. I recently gave blood for the first time in 5 years. I gave twice before and fainted both times, so I was a bit worried that I’d do it again. I think I just got a bit freaked out and couldn’t stop thinking about blood draining out of me!! (sorry if anyone is squeamish!). But I told them I was worried and they were SO nice. and gossiped amusingly with me for the whole time. So my commitment for ‘generous’ is to go 3 times this year. Looking forward to more tunnocks teacakes (they a medically necessity, or thats what I tell myself)!!
04 Apr 2006
I have been doing this for about 4 years now but have just recently been told that my iron level is quite low so now go every other time.Every little helps!
12 Apr 2006
I so wish I could do this, but I have a needle phobia – not too bad when being injected but I usually pass out when having blood taken – it’s a ‘veins’ thing! If only there was another way…
01 May 2006
When I gave birth to my last child I almost died from loss of blood and it was only the generosity of a blood donor that kept me alive. I decided I should become a blood donor and give back some of what I had received and started trying to give blood over 14 years ago! However, as I am anaemic my offer of blood keeps getting refused. (I have tried to fool the Red Cross by drinking Guiness the day before etc. but my blood still won’t get up to the required level). So I have spent the last 14 years getting others to give blood, and quite sucessfully too! Please consider it the person who receives your donation will be most grateful and it could save a life.
03 May 2006
This really is something I have been meaning to do for some time. I have Rhneg blood and am aware that this type is needed by some babies at birth.
08 May 2006
This was my New Year resolution having been meaning to do it for years. Went for the first time in March. All the staff were so kind and reassuring. It was painless.
22 May 2006
It suprised me how many excuses I’ve used for not going in the past. A lot of my friends use the same excuses. I went for the first time in February this year. It wasn’t as horrendous as I’d expected, I did get a bit light headed and because they didn’t want me to pass out I got 2 packets of chocolate biscuits!!! My second donation is in 2 weeks time. I think we should encourage those who are still finding excuses, it’s not as bad you might think.
Gloucester, GB , 15 Jun 2006
HAve been donating on and off for about 11 or 12 years. Have had some gaps due to pregnancies (currently unable to donate until Oct 2006) and anaemia – but give whenever they let me! Have also encouraged DH to sign up – he has just made his 10th donation. Without such a service, I wouldn’t be alive – I received donated blood when I haemorrhaged (sp?) as a newborn.
29 Jun 2006
I have been a donor for years but not found the time to go for the last year or so, but I did last night just needed the push to find time and give.
15 Aug 2006
I used to give blood at work but they stopped doing it and so did I. Thanks for reminding me that it’s my own laziness that stopped me. I’ve booked myself in for a local session and will aim to get back on track with regular donations.
20 Aug 2006
I have been giving blood since I was first old enough, although I must admit I do have lapses, although some are due to the restrictions that they have in place for safety reasons , but not all.
It is for this reason that I have set this action to still doing as a reminder to myself to keep it up.
22 Aug 2006
Went for the second time this year and got as far as lying on the couch thing before they decided that I shouldn’t give. They thought I hadn’t eaten enough that morning (I’d had breakfast, a snack and a lentil salad) and were worried I’d faint (given my past experience). TIP: Eat LOADS of carbohydrate before you go!! Oh well, I’ll try again, but if they refuse me again I’ll be very discouraged. At least during that trip I persuaded a friend to go along too, who wouldn’t have gone otherwise…
29 Aug 2006
I can’t give blood becuase I’ve had Hep B – and although I’m immune and can’t pass it on I at least can donate organs. I do feel we should be making an issue that homosexuals are not allowed to donate blood though – this is restricted blood donors unnecessarily.
30 Aug 2006
I would love to do this but I go to malarial areas quite frequently so they won’t let me.
Wokingham, GB , 30 Aug 2006
I have been giving blood pretty regularly for over 10 years now. They are always after my O+ blood!
Birmingham, GB , 31 Aug 2006
I so wish I could do this, but I can’t.
As a gay man who’s had sex with another man I’m barred from ever giving blood.
I then have two choices. 1) Lie about my sexuality. (I’ve done that for too long so not really a great thing to do)
or 2) Not give blood.
So instead of having to lie about my sexuality in a bid to give blood and rather than just ignoring the whole issue I’m going to encourage the people I work with, worship with and socialise with to give blood.
So if you’re doing this action can you also ask them to raise awareness of the issue and call for the ban to be lifted.
The ban on gay men is making the problem of donor shortage worse.
Gay and bisexual men are currently barred from donating blood because of the risk of HIV transmission, even if they practise safer sex and only have sex with a long term partner.
Despite widespread calls for change, the National Blood Service has yet to alter its position, citing rising HIV/AIDS rates amongst the gay community as an example of why men who have sex with men should be stopped from donating.
This position is based on outdated images of gay men and fails to take into account the rising HIV rates amongst heterosexual people.
The National Blood Service policy perpetuates the myth of HIV and AIDS as ‘gay diseases’
The UK’s Blood Service Policy is at complete odds with the guidelines that are outlined by the United Nations, that serves to tackle this type of discrimination, and removes this antiquated perception about the gay community.
31 Aug 2006
I have only donated about 4 times as twice I was unable to donate. I want to try and donate at one of the regular venues rather than just when they come to my place of work.
07 Sep 2006
I went to a session last night and gave for the first time in nearly two and a half years. I have to admit that I wasn’t very well prepared and afterwards I felt a bit sick/faint. They looked after me very well though. Definitely make sure you eat well on the day you donate and drink plenty of water. Hoepfully despite the queasiness I’m now back on track to give regularly.
25 Sep 2006
I am barred from giving blood because I have had 2 transfusions (following childbirth and miscarriage)so I recently held a party (to celebrate turning 40) and invited my family and friends to become donors, or if they already gave, to recruit another donor, in place of a gift to me. I was thrilled to find out that I already knew loads of donors, and several folk signed up to donate! ;0) Hubby is same blood type as me, and has given for years and years, so I’m kind of covered. Nicky H.
Lancaster, GB , 30 Sep 2006
I would love to give blood but the session times are completely inconvenient for parents – and I know you can arrange an appt at the hospital but that would be an extra car journey for me and I don’t fancy driving back after giving blood. I gave blood in the past when I was working for a local authority that gave it’s staff paid time off during the working day to give blood – not surprising many staff did ! Shame this no longer occurs.
03 Oct 2006
Currently only 16 so too young to be a blood donor but counting down the days until I can. My mum nearly died after giving birth to my sister and she needed a lot of blood to help her then, so it’s the least I can do to repay in some way.
Leeds, GB , 03 Oct 2006
I have given blood in the past but have passed out while eating the Penguins and drinking the weak squash on most occasions, and nearly passed out while still donating on the bed a couple of times. A nurse told me at the last session I attended that I shouldn’t go anymore, but I’m unhappy about this as I really want to do it. My mum nearly died giving birth to my brother in 1982 so I’d especially like to carry on. Any advice anyone?
swindon, GB , 10 Oct 2006
I used to give blood regularly but had lapsed. This is a good reminder to start giving blood twice a year again
Cardiff, GB , 22 Oct 2006
I’m another who joins the “banned” camp. As a gay man, I am stopped from giving blood – something which I personally find a form of discrimination.
I have, however got someone else to start instead of me. Which in a way is a shame as my grandfather used to regularly give blood, and due to age has stopped – I would have liked to be able to take over from him.
Also, I am not aware of similar rules for organ donation, so I have signed up for the register.
D
23 Oct 2006
I have been a regular donor for nearly 40 years and am about to donate my 92nd pint! It has always been one of those things that I can do to help others, so I do.
Cardiff, GB , 27 Nov 2006
Been doing this for a while (apart from before/after births of 2 children) but the last two times my blood has been too low in iron t donate – must eat more spinach before the next session as I am nearing my Silver (25th) donation …
GB , 12 Dec 2006
I have given blood on and off for years and have now encouraged my eldest daughter to go along. After seeing a news item about shortages over Christmas my 17 year old asked me to make her an appointment and she will be going on December 22nd for her first try! Can’t persuade my dear husband to go for love nor money- Perhaps I should try some other form of bribery!
14 Dec 2006
Did it today for the first time, partly beacause some friends parents have just been told they have cancer, and will need platelets. It seemed the most practical thing I could do. to think about them, and help someone. i feel really pleased i did it! :)
01 Jan 2007
Steve & I use to donate blood annually but last donated about two years ago and have slipped out of the habbit! We used to aim to donate blood twice a year and will get back into the routine during 2007. For info visit www.blood.co.uk
Harrow, GB , 24 Jan 2007
I have just donated very nearly an armful for the second time, and want to do it as often as I can – I think that’s about four times a year – to make up for all the gallons of blood I’ve hogged all my life. It is a very easy way to feel good.
Calgary, CA , 05 Feb 2007
I am going to a Blood Service clinic this morning for the first time. Thanks for this action.
London, GB , 05 Feb 2007
I’ve been giving blood for twenty years, but lapsed when pregnant with my daughter (you can’t give for some months afterwards). I need to focus on this so that it becomes a habit again, and I also plan to try to sign up for the bone marrow register.
Stockholm, SE , 12 Feb 2007
i went for the test and questions and am looking forward to my appointment march 5th!
i plan on eating pretty healthy the day before and the day of. lots of veggies and water.
17 Feb 2007
Like lots of other Generous people I’ve done this for years with a couple of pregnancy breaks. I’m O Rh Neg too so I hope some newborns have been helped by my donations
Newport, Wales, GB , 28 Feb 2007
Been giving blood (and plasma for a period) for 20 years. It is very worthwhile. The mobile unit visits my place of work and allows the time off so its even better for me.
Bristol, GB , 10 Mar 2007
I switched from blood donation to platelets donation a couple of years ago. The Blood Service asked me to because they were short of platelets for my particular blood group, B negative. It takes longer to give platelets than to give blood (about two hours per session, with 90 minutes of this connected to the machine) but you don’t get the lightheadness and fatigue that sometimes follow giving blood. And the body fully replenishes the platelets they take out within 36 hours, meaning it is possible to give more regularly than if you are giving blood (I give platelets about every three weeks).
Swindon, GB , 03 May 2007
I signed up years ago, but yet still can’t do this as I have tattoo’s and I’ve not had a year without getting a new one since I signed up (you can’t give blood if you have had a tattoo within a year)
Leeds, GB , 16 May 2007
I gave blood for the first time last night and am feeling rubbish today, very dizzy and ears keep popping weirdly enough! Is this normal? Want to do it again but a bit worried that there might be something wrong with me!!
06 Jul 2007
It was all going so well but suddenly I’ve started keeling over after giving blood. As my blood is seemingly in greatd emand I’m just going to have to take a little longer on the recovery time!
23 Aug 2007
Unfortantely I am not allowed to give blood but i’v signed up to this one because i actively encourage (read bully!) my friends to do it.
12 Oct 2007
I am (to my great disapointment)unable to give blood due to receiving someone’s very generous donation after my daughters birth several years ago. I just want to say to all you wonderful donators out there – THANK YOU! without you I wouldn’t be here. I (obviously) always encourage my friends and family to give blood and support those who do. I’m going to see if there is anything else I can do to help the donation service as an alternative to donating the red stuff.
nottingham, GB , 13 Oct 2007
I started giving blood a few years ago after my mum needed a 6 pint transfusion, i wasn’t old enough at the time but promised myself i’d do it one day, i’m just about to make my 17th donation and i don’t plan on stopping any time soon!
Oxford, GB , 30 Jan 2008
Just want to say hello as a ‘banned’ person from this action.
Belfast, GB , 28 May 2008
I gave blood for the first time in November. I had wanted to for a long time but the morbid fear of needles sort of put me off. however, i took some deep breaths and went for it and am really glad i did because it wasn’t that bad and as a student nurse (yes, really) i appreciate how much it is needed . Just have to psych myself up to do it again soon…
cheltenham, GB , 17 Nov 2008
It’s actually good for my health giving blood because I’ve got loads of haemaglobin coursing through my veins and donating thins it down nicely. My wife, on the other hand, only mangages about once a year due to getting anaemic if she gives too regularly.
The hardest thing is finding the time to get along there because the place is usually packed out in the evening. But I do enjoy the tea and biscuit afterwards, I must say.