Blood Donation Day – April 15th 2011

Today is Blood Donation day…………..what’s this got to do with weddings I hear you cry, well absolutely nothing to be honest! I as well as a number of other bloggers in the wedding industry were approached by Emma Woodhouse to see if we would get involved in the campaign to give blood. Now i don’t thin my blog is really the place to get all political and preachy on people, but sometimes I cause comes my way that I feel deserves the time fo day…………….but why this one??

On a personal level, I can’t give blood, I’m one of those people that have to go have have transfusions every now again. When I was 18 I got really poorly and had to have my spleen removed, It turns out I have something called PK Deficiency, it’s a rare blood disorder and the way to manage it was to have my spleen removed. In the run up to the operation I had to have several pints of new blood as my blood was basically pretty crap! While I was in hospital I had several more pints of blood and for years after that I would have to make regular trips to the hospital to get more blood. I often thought when I was sitting there for hours on end who that blood belonged to? and how grateful I was that someone had given up their time and blood so someone like me could not be ill!
I wold love to give blood but I’m simply not aloud and quite frankly mine isn’t much use to anyone! so I would urge anyone who can to go and donate a pint or two.

Some people already donate blood. However, those who don’t tend to fall into two categories: too squeamish or too forgetful. Both reasons are totally understandable, conquering a phobia of needles or blood is a huge thing to ask, as is scheduling the time for a regular appointment to donate. 

It is an astonishing fact that only 4% of the population provides donations of blood for the rest of us. That’s a lot to expect of so few people. Especially when this is one of those times when you really can have a massive impact on the lives of others, by doing something so simple. 

So, why are we campaigning for this? Many of us have been affected first-hand by the importance of having a ready supply of blood, and realise how very different life could be without it. Just stop for a minute and think what might happen if you couldn’t get the blood transfusion that you take for granted will be there. This is the perfect forum to bring it to the forefront of people’s minds, especially those who have been contemplating donating blood but just haven’t got round to doing it yet. 

If you’re physically able to give blood do please try to make time, it can literally make you a lifesaver. We would love it if donating blood became a regular habit for you, something that is done on a  a regular basis without giving it a second thought. If you can’t donate then please continue this campaign by asking all those you know who can to make an appointment – ask them to do it now… today, not when they get round to it. 

Do read this blog and the associated posts from all of those involved in this campaign. There will be some very personal stories that we hope may open your eyes to how important blood donors are and how you never know when you may be the recipient of the blood that these wonderful people give. 

If you feel that you are ready to donate blood, please go to the Give Blood website to find your nearest blood donor session.

To find out more about giving blood go to:
www.giveblood.co.uk

Other Bloggers tacking part in this campaine include:
Tattybojangles Vintage Hen House
Plans & Presents Wedding & Event Planning
Anna and the Ring
All Wrapped Up Wedding & Event Planners & Coordinators
Emily Jayne Image Consultancy
Fiona Kelly Photography
Mission 2 Wed
Boho Weddings & Events
Hannah Dornford-May Photography
Source Images Photography
Purple & Pearls
My Spare Thoughts
Aisle Rock
Tamryn Kirby
Bride and Chic
The Honeymoon Project
Cake for Breakfast
The Wedding Reporter