Have a heart and donate for cancer patients in need

WITH thousands of cancer patients receiving blood transfusions every year, NHS Blood and Transplant is challenging people to make a date to donate to mark this year’s World Cancer Day.  On February 4, people from around the world will join together to dispel the myths around cancer for World Cancer Day.

Many people who develop cancer have a need for red blood cell or platelet transfusions during their treatment. Cancer patients may develop anaemia (a reduction in the number of red blood cells in their blood) or have a reduced number of platelets in their blood (the clotting cells which prevent bleeding). This can be due to the cancer or its treatment, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy. A blood transfusion can give a patient more energy and improve the quality of their life.

Barbara Blanche, NHS Blood and Transplant’s Lead Donor Relations Manager for the Merseyside area, said:- “With platelets only having a shelf life of seven days and red cells having a shelf life of 35 days, patients depend on the generosity of blood and platelet donors to provide the vital transfusions they need.  World Cancer Day is a good time to remember that blood is not only given in accident and emergency situations but also for patients undergoing surgery and receiving treatment for cancer and blood diseases. With around 7,000 units of blood needed everyday, I would encourage both new and returning donors to make a date to roll up their sleeve and donate.”

Forthcoming local blood donor sessions include:-

BLOOD DONOR SESSIONS TO BE
HELD DURING FEBRUARY 2014

Liverpool Donor Centre
Unit 6, 2 Moorfields
(Entrance on Dale Street)
Liverpool

Monday/Thursday/Friday/Alternate Saturdays: 8.20am until 3.30pm
Tuesday/Wednesday: 12.20pm until 7.30pm

Monday 03.02.2014
Saint’s Rugby League FC
Langtree Park
McManus Drive
ST HELENS
2.00pm-4.00pm & 5.30pm-7.30pm

Tuesday 04.02.2014
The Foundry
65 Lugsdale Road
WIDNES
10.00am-12.00pm & 1.45pm-3.45pm

Wednesday 05.02.2014
Victory Hall
Salacre Lane
UPTON
1.30pm-3.30pm & 5.00pm-7.00pm

Thursday 06.02.2014
St Patrick’s Social Club
111 Common Road
NEWTON LE WILLOWS
2.00pm-4.00pm & 5.30pm-7.30pm

Friday 07.02.2014
Civic Hall
Allport Lane Precinct
BROMBOROUGH
2.00pm-4.00pm & 5.30pm-7.30pm

Monday 10.02.2014
Royal British Legion
Lord Street
BURSCOUGH
2.00pm-4.00pm & 5.30pm-7.30pm

Tuesday 11.02.2014
Village Hall
2 The Green
PARBOLD
2.00pm-4.00pm & 5.30pm-7.30pm