Residents in Okehampton are being urged to give up a few moments of their time and come forward to give their first life saving blood donation. The National Blood Service (NBS) is hoping for at least 120 donors to come along and give blood at each session. Both new and regular donors are encouraged to attend their local blood donation sessions. Fay Simcox, spokesperson for the NBS, said: ?We have regular donors who repeatedly come along and give up their time to save lives and we are eternally grateful to them. ?However, we are always in need of new donors and would encourage new and regular donors to come along to a blood donation session ? the demand for blood is relentless. ?We need to collect 8,000 units of blood every day to maintain supplies to hospitals in order that life-saving surgery and treatments can be carried out. However, at the moment only 5 per cent of those who are eligible to give blood actually do. ?If you?ve ever wanted to be a donor and live in Okehampton or the surrounding area now is the time to act.? The blood donation sessions will be held at: l Okehampton today (Thursday) in the Charter Hall. 1.30pm to 3.15pm and 5pm to 7.15pm l Tomorrow (Friday) Charter Hall.1pm to 3.15pm and 5pm to 7.15pm. You may be able to become a blood donor if you are aged between 17 and 59, weigh over 7st 12lb (50kg) and are in good health. Regular donors can keep on donating until they are 70. To make an appointment to donate at the sessions call the NBS on 0845 7 711 711.
