Public Servant Lifestyle

The National Blood Service (NBS) is urging travellers leaving the UK to give blood before heading abroad.

The National Blood Service's ‘Give Before You Go’ is a reaction to the 'seasonal' depletion of blood stocks as nearly 40 million blood donors leave the country for their holidays.

Historically blood stocks have been affected by various sporting events such as the cricket tests, the World Cup and Wimbledon - and in particular by peak holiday periods - meaning the number of donors who traditionally give blood has decreased.

Non-donors are being encouraged to think about giving blood for the first time before they go on holiday to ensure that blood levels are not dramatically affected by the decrease in people donating. Those planning holidays to exotic locations are also being asked to ‘Give Before You Go’. With many holidaymakers now travelling further a field, such as Africa, central America and Asia, this could prevent many from donating for up to six months.

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay - lending his name to the campaign - commented: “It is vitally important that we all remember to give blood before we go on holiday. The busy summer schedule of sport coupled with the fine weather has meant that people who traditionally give blood at this time of the year have been busy and put it to the back of their minds. As our thoughts turn to booking a holiday and jetting off to the sun make sure that you remember to donate blood before you go away.

“If you’ve never given blood before take just take a few minutes out of your busy day to register your details on the register. One donation of blood can save more than one life, and if you’re an existing donor then remember that you can give blood up to three times a year.”

If you are aged between 17 - 60 years of age, in general good health and weigh over 7st 12lbs you could support the campaign, just call the Donor Helpline to find out more about where you can make your donation to help save someone’s life.

Donors can ring the National Donor Helpline on: 0845 7 711 711 (open 24hrs) or visit the service website at: www.blood.co.uk to register their details and find the venues and times for their nearest blood donation session.

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