About to give blood for the 350th time, one vicar in our diocese is appealing to people to give life to others with their own blood over the summer.
The Revd Andrew Pearson, who is Priest in Charge of the Venerable Bede, in Whyther, Leeds, will notch up his 350th blood donation in August. He 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 4% of those who could give blood actually do. Can we change this?
"Blood and blood components are needed for operations and emergencies, and one donation can benefit four people.”
Giving whole blood (470mls – not quite Tony Hancock’s pint) takes about 10 minutes, is replenished by the body very quickly, and can be given 3-4 times a year. Those who give components, eg, platelets which aid clotting, are in great demand because a donation of platelets is equivalent to around four units of blood (it takes a bit longer, about an hour and a half).
Andrew adds, “The FAB (Flesh And Blood) Campaign is a campaign to encourage the Church to see blood and organ donation as part of its giving. It asks Christians to consider giving blood as part of what it means to be living sacrifices; 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! (Left: Archbishop of Wales, Barry Morgan, giving blood).
“I’ve been given a whisky tumbler for every 100 donations and I’m told that the decanter awaits my 500th donation (minus the whisky). All donors get a cup of tea and a biscuit; they even stretch to crisps now as well.
"Another step to take in this way is to sign up with a donor card to give vital organs in the event of an untimely death.
"Why not make it something new to do this holiday month? There are donor centres in our major cities (in Leeds on the Headrow and at Seacroft Hospital) as well as touring sessions at church and village halls".
Call NHS Blood & Transplant on 0300 1232323 or Revd Andrew Pearson 0113 272 3337 or 07715 563729.