Blood donors are being asked to make an effort to keep appointments over the four-day Easter break, closely followed by the Royal Wedding and May bank holiday weekend.

The call comes from NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), the organisation responsible for maintaining blood stocks.

Healthy blood stocks are vital to ensure that patients undergoing surgery and receiving treatment for cancer and blood diseases, such as leukaemia, continue to receive the transfusions they need.

Donors of all blood types are needed, particularly O negative which is known as the ‘universal donor’. This blood can be given to anybody, vital in an emergency when someone’s blood type is unknown.

Platelet donors are especially being asked to come to donate at donor centres over the holidays. A shelf life for platelets of five days make these donations crucial for patients needing treatment at this time.First time donors should be aged between 17-65, weighing at least 50 kg (seven stones 12lbs) and in general good health.

Forthcoming donor sessions

  • Bingley Arts Centre, Main Street, Tuesday, April 19, 2pm to 4pm, 5pm to 7.30pm
  • Greengates Primary School, Stockhill Road, Thursday, April 21, 2.30pm to 4pm, 5pm to 7pm
  • St Peter’s Church, Shipley, on Tuesday, April 26, 2.30pm to 4pm, 5pm to 7.30pm
  • Blood can also be given at the Bradford Donor Centre in Rawson Road, Bradford.
  • To become a blood donor call the Donor Line now on 0300 123 23 23 or visit blood.co.uk
  • Read the full story in Friday's T&A