The NHS needs your help

The NHS has issued a cry for help saying it needs an extra 8000 people from Greater Manchester to donate blood.

It comes on Blood Donor Day on which the world thanks blood donors for their gifts of blood and raises awareness of the need for regular donations to ensure the quality, safety and availability for patients in need.

Mike Stredder, Director of Blood Donation at NHS Blood and Transplant Mike Stredder says:

"To meet all of our patient's needs at all times, we need 700 new donors every day. Our campaign is about saving lives and each donation is a precious and generous gift.

"There is a particular need for O negative and B negative donors as these are vulnerable blood groups that often run low on stocks at various times of the year."

The service has also issued a statement saying:

"Please go to www.blood.co.uk to find out if you can donate, register as a donor and book an appointment at your local donor centre.

"Giving blood is simple and an hour of your time can help save up to three lives.

"If you can't book an appointment straight away, please don't worry, we need blood donors every day so please book an appointment in the future.

"Save a life. Give blood."