Not all heroes wear capes

HOLLYWOOD superstars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman are calling on film fans in Liverpool to be:- 'heroes' by becoming blood donors in an exciting collaboration between:- NHS Blood and Transplant, with Marvel Studios' Deadpool and Wolverine movie.

The actors star in an NHS video where they explain that while Deadpool and Wolverine features plenty of fake blood, it is real blood that is needed to save lives; and urge viewers to book an appointment to donate.

The video will be shared on social media and shown in cinemas with the tagline:- 'Be the giving type,' encouraging people to come together and also nods to the movie uniting the 2 Marvel characters for the 1st time.

It is hoped that the collaboration with Deadpool and Wolverine will reach people who may not have considered blood donation, particularly younger people and people of Black heritage who are especially needed.

In the video Hugh explains that it takes only 1 hour to save 3 lives before he and Ryan engage in the type of humorous banter which Deadpool is known for.

Ryan closes the video by urging viewers to book an appointment to donate before the pair make a tongue in cheek apology.



Mark Chambers, Director of Donor Experience for NHS Blood and Transplant, said:- "Deadpool saves the day, but blood donors save lives. We hope film fans in Liverpool will be inspired to become a hero in their own story by giving blood. Right now the NHS needs more young people to become the donors of the future. And we urgently need more donors of Black heritage to help patients who need ethnically matched blood. Giving blood is quick and easy and each donation saves up to 3 lives. Please register today and book an appointment to donate. After all, not all heroes wear capes and saving lives is more impressive than any superpower out there."

This is NHS Blood and Transplant's fourth blood donation film partnership with Disney following collaborations with Free Guy, Doctor Strange, in the Multiverse of Madness and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

Every minute the NHS needs 3 lifesaving blood donations to play a vital role in fighting cancer, combatting conditions like sickle cell and treating those injured in accidents. Right now there is a particular need for donors with O negative blood, which is the universal blood type and given to all patients in emergency situations.

Liverpool Donor Centre in St Paul's Square has plenty of appointments available over the coming weeks.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said:- "Blood donors are real-life superheroes, and we're so grateful to everyone who can step forward and help save lives. Getting the NHS back on its feet will need to be a national mission, and that includes the efforts of everyone who volunteers to give blood."

Register today and book an appointment to donate via the GiveBloodNHS app or at:- Blood.Co.UK.

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Labour's King's Speech will take the brakes off Britain and get Southport moving again

WELCOMING the King's Speech, Labour's MP for Southport, Patrick Hurley MP, said:- "The points raised within the King's Speech will help deliver the change that families and businesses in Southport have been crying out for. It's a plan that will mean more jobs, better transport, new homes and investment in the infrastructure we need; ultimately, it's an agenda to take the brakes off Britain and get Southport moving again. Towns and Villages in this country have seen better days over the past years. Southport is no different. Whereas other areas have had, for instance, Hospitals not built or transport links not implemented, Southport's problems have manifested in the temporary closure of the Town's much loved pier and a Town Centre whose main streets need more than their fair share of love and attention. I will do my best to ensure Southport's best days lie ahead of it. I will work with colleagues in parliament and regularly meet with constituents across the new constituency to address these issues and bring about the change Southport needs."

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:- "This will be a Government of service. My Government will be committed to uniting the country in our shared mission of national renewal. We will serve every person, regardless of how they voted, to fix the foundations of this nation for the long term. The era of politics as performance and self interest above service is over. The fight for trust is the battle that defines our political era. It is only by serving the interests of working people, and delivering real change that transforms lives, that we can begin to restore people's faith that politics can be a force for good. Rebuilding our country will not happen overnight. The challenges we face require determined, patient work and serious solutions, rather than the temptation of the easy answer. The snake oil charm of populism may sound seductive, but it drives us into the dead end of further division and greater disappointment."