Blood donors are being reminded that blood is needed all year round, especially at Christmas. NHS Blood and Transplant is urging donors to make and keep appointments to donate blood this month, to ensure hospitals can continue to treat patients over the festive season.

Many children and adults will need transfusions as treatment for a blood condition or cancer or due to surgery, childbirth or an accident.

Mike Stredder, Director of Blood Donation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “We need our amazing donors more than ever at this time of year. If you make and keep an appointment this December you will be saving and improving lives over the festive season – can you think of a better gift to give?”

To book an appointment visit www.blood.co.uk