A SEMINGTON man who has given his 100th blood donation is urging others to also give blood.
Eric Clifford gave his first blood donation in May 1973 and has continued to give blood regularly until he reached his 100th recently. Now, he is urging others to also give blood as only 4% of those able to give blood actually do.
He said, “I urge people out there to give blood as it can save lives and ease suffering of those that need regular transfusions.
“I feel drained having reached 100 donations but I will continue to do so. Who knows what number I will actually end up on.”
Eric’s plea comes as blood stocks in the region have dropped recently. Hazel Locker from NHS Blood & Transplant said, “Blood stocks have dropped significantly over the Christmas period and there is a significant need for us to build stocks back up quickly. All blood types are needed, but particularly O Groups to maintain our life saving supplies. With heavy demand for blood and many people taking extended holidays over this Christmas and New Year period we have seen falling stock levels.
“We are asking all our regular donors to make an appointment as soon as they can and encouraging new donors to register and book an appointment today.”
The next blood donation sessions in Melksham take place on Thursday 15th January and Thursday 5th February at Spencer Sports and Social Club. There are two sessions on each day with them available from 1.30pm-3.30pm and between 4.30pm-7.15pm.
To book your appointment or find alternative nearby sessions visit www.blood.co.uk or call 01380 1232323.
