Call for blood donors to boost seasonal supplies

DONORS are being urged to come forward following a seasonal fall in the number of people giving blood.

Winter illnesses and Christmas preparations mean fewer people than usual have the time or are able to give blood.

In Derby, around 250 donations a week are needed so that hospitals have the necessary stocks to carry out life-saving operations and other procedures.

But a spokesman for the National Blood Service said it needed more people to come forward to hit that target. He said: "We tend to see about a 10% fall in people giving blood at this time of year, either because they're busy or are ill and are unable to donate.

"People suffering from a serious blood disease, such as leukaemia, someone undergoing surgery, or an accident and emergency case can all benefit from donated blood."

Sessions will be held at The Spot, in Sacheverel Street, on Sunday, from 10am to 12.30pm and 1.45pm to 3.30pm, on Sunday, December 28, at the same times, and on Christmas Eve, 10am to 14.15pm.

To book, call 0845 7 711 711, or simply arrive on the day.