Monday 19 October saw the National Blood Service visit Hedge End for its routine four-month visit.

Although the numbers attending were slightly down on the previous session in June, at 143 as opposed to 149 (see Hedgeendpeople story ‘Hedge End’s 120 Pints (Almost!)’, this time more people were successful in giving blood – 125, and up 5 on the summer’s120.

Perhaps they were inspired by the Daily Echo Gift of Life (blood donation) summer campaign to encourage new donors to come forward, but this October session saw 65 people enrol and 117 appointments were made for the National Blood Service’s next visit in February.

The National Blood Service says, ‘Hedge End has a good commitment to booking appointments.’ At each session here they expect to take blood from at least 120 people.

Student Luke Wretham was giving blood for the fourth time. He said, ‘I donate blood to help save life. It also gives me a feeling of well-being knowing I’m doing something positive.’

The message from the National Blood Service is that they’re always looking for new donors, but particularly at this time as people can’t give blood when ill and incidents of Swine Flu are cutting down on donations from regular donors.

The next blood donation session in Hedge End is on Monday 8 February. If you’d like more information about giving blood or would like to book an appointment, either for 8 February in Hedge End or at another centre on a different date, visit the National Blood Service website. The website also has a page displaying current blood stock levels.