The Revd Andrew Pearson (left), who will give blood for the 400th time this month, is encouraging people to make blood donation one of their new year’s resolutions.
Andrew, who's Priest in Charge of the Venerable Bede, Wyther, Leeds, says, “I’ve been giving blood since I was 17 – it’s a very simple way of helping people. But the number of donors has dropped - now just 2% of those who could give blood actually do".
Blood donation takes 20 minutes, the blood's replenished by the body very quickly, it can be given 3-4 times a year and one donation can benefit four people.
Those who give components, eg, platelets which aid clotting, are in great demand because one donation of platelets is equivalent to around four units of blood. (Component donation takes about an hour and a half).
Andrew adds, "I will be given a crystal whisky glass for my 400th – my fourth such glass. When I get to 500 I will get a decanter (sadly minus the whisky). And I now get texts telling me where my blood has been used - apparently I've gone all over the country!
“The FAB (Flesh And Blood) Campaign (endorsed by General Synod and Leeds Diocesan Synod) asks Christians to consider giving blood as part of what it means to be living sacrifices, ie, giving life in order that others might have fuller lives (cf. John 10.10). So there are even theological arguments in favour of blood donation!"
Another step to take is to sign up with a donor card to give vital organs in the event of an untimely death.
There are donor centres in major cities (in Leeds on the Headrow) as well as touring sessions at church and village halls.
For more information, call NHS Blood & Transplant on 0300 1232323 or the Revd Andrew Pearson on 0113 272 3337 or 07715 563729.