Do something AMAZING. The need for blood never stops, many people are alive today because someone decided they would give blood.

NHS Blood Donor Centres aim to get you in and out within 1 hour, and your actual blood donation only takes around 10 minutes to complete. Each donation can save or improve the lives of up to 3 adults or 6 infants.

Become a blood donor today

The NHS needs new young donors like you to replace those who can no longer donate. Currently, around half our donors are over 45. That’s why we need more young people aged 17+, especially young men, to start giving blood and make sure we have enough in the future. Men can donate blood every 12 weeks, as opposed to women, who can give blood every 16 weeks.

NHS Blood and Transplant need 400 new donors and up to 5,000 donations a day to meet the needs of patients in England. Furthermore, we need 16,000 new black donors to give blood and help improve the lives of patients with sickle cell disease. As blood is not just needed for emergencies and accidents, patients need blood to help fight cancer, recover from an operation or survive a difficult birth.

You might have a rare blood type

Hospital demand for the Ro blood subtype, the variation of the Rh-positive blood type, has risen by 50%, which is vitally important for treating patients with sickle cell. Some patients who receive frequent blood transfusions need the blood to be closely matched to their own, which is why we particularly need more blood donors from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities. Black people are 10 times more likely to have the Ro blood type compared to other donors, and only 2% of our donors have this.

You might have a rare blood type, and after your first session, we will be able to tell you your blood type. This will affect how often we ask you to donate, helping us make sure we have the right blood at the right time.

Help fight sickle cell disease

In the UK, sickle cell disease is the fastest-growing genetic disease and is more prevalent in people of black heritage. Around 15,000 people are affected, with 300 babies born each year with the condition. Sickle cell is a serious genetic disease that affects the red blood cells that carry oxygen around the body. The patient’s blood cells form into a sickle or crescent shape and stick in blood vessels; this causes some patients to experience acute episodes of extreme pain. The best form of treatment includes regular blood transfusions every 3 to 4 weeks, from ethnically matched blood.

Who can give blood

You can give blood if you:

  • Are fit and healthy on the day, weigh between 50kg and 160kg.
  • Are aged between 17-66 (or 70 if you have given blood before).
  • Are over 70 and have given blood in the last two years.
  • Have not had a tattoo or piercing in the last four months. Have not had acupuncture in the last four months.
  • Are not pregnant, or had a baby in the last six months.
  • Do not have a chesty cough, sore throat, cold sore.
  • Have not had any infections in the last two weeks or have taken antibiotics within the last seven days.

More people could be eligible to donate blood based on their health, travel, and sexual behaviour. So, please check before you donate the ‘Who can give blood’ criteria online.

This is amazing

Social media is full of amazing content. The impossible made possible. People pulling off incredible tricks and feats. From football tricks to juggling acts and 720 backflips, it’s all amazing.

However, you don’t need to spend hours mastering a talent to do something amazing.

Give blood and make an appointment at your nearest blood donation centre. #ThisIsAmazing.