Mark Pawsey, MP has called on local people to show their support for #BleedForEngland by registering themselves as blood donors. NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) has recently revealed that only 3% of people in Rugby and Bulkington donate blood. Nationally, less than 3% of people living in England aged 17 – 70 have donated blood in the last 12 months.
Since the launch of the #BleedForEngland campaign on 15 August, NHSBT has had an amazing response to their campaign, signing up 75,000 new blood donors by 31 October. Over the last three weeks, millions have shown just how committed they are to supporting their national rugby team. NHSBT wants people to go on to support in a different way – by registering to #BleedForEngland and help patients in hospitals across the country.
Mark said:
“I believe that together, people in Rugby and Bulkington can help this campaign reach its goal of registering 100,000 new donors. Donating blood is a very simple thing that you do, and it will help save and improve lives.”
Jon Latham, Assistant Director at NHSBT, said:
“I want to encourage people to join the #BleedForEngland squad and register to be one of our 100,000 new donors who sign up before the end of the tournament. We plan our sessions in line with the amount of blood we need to collect to meet patient need so it’s best to book an appointment at the next available date and time.”
Mark concluded:
“I would encourage anyone in Rugby who is interested in donating blood to go to www.blood.co.uk to find out if you can donate, register as a donor and book an appointment. I am always humbled by the generous nature of local people and I hope that more people will come forward to support this vital cause.”