Blood drops into Bournemouth AFC

The National Blood Service’s mascot, Billy Blood Drop, met AFC Bournemouth team members recently.

The players have teamed up with NBS to help tackle the need for more blood donors.

Striker, Lee Bradbury, 34, said "My Dad is a blood donor so I know how important it is to give blood. I think everyone should give if they can."

He went on to say "You never know when you may need it and often it isn't until someone close to you needs it do you then realise how important it is."

Blood is a vital resource all year round and our local hospitals rely on the kindness of donors every day to save and improve the lives of patients.

Fay Simcox, spokesperson for NHS Blood and Transplant, said:

"We are very grateful to AFC Bournemouth for highlighting the importance of donating blood. Each donation a person gives can potentially help to save up to three lives.”

Currently 7,000 units of blood are needed every day to help save the lives of sick and injured patients across England and North Wales yet only four per cent of the eligible population give blood.

Anyone aged between 17-65, weighing more than 50 kg (7 stone 12lbs) and in general good health could potentially start saving lives by becoming a blood donor. There is no upper age limit for donors who have donated in the last two years. To book an appointment call the Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk

Sessions will be held as follows:

Tuesday 16 March - St Marks New Church, Wallisdown Road, Talbot Village, Bournemouth. BH10 4HY.  1.45pm-3.30pm & 4.30pm-7pm.

Friday 19 March - United Reformed Hall, 8 St Stephens Road, Bournemouth. BH2 6JJ 12.30pm-2.30pm & 3.30pm-6pm.

Monday 29 March - Bournemouth Society for the Visually Impaired, 5 Victoria Park Road, Bournemouth. BH9 2RB. 12noon-2.30pm & 3.30pm-6pm.