Highland couples give Valentine boost to blood drive
Donors shared the love for each other and those in need of help this Valentine’s week by rolling up their sleeves to give blood together at Tain’s Duthac Centre.
Among those making a date for the session were first-time donors Pamela and Joss Elliot, from Ardgay, who booked their slots online.
Pamela said: “With this being our first visit to a donor session it was great to be able to book our slots together. The online system made it all really easy.”
And she added: “If you can give blood then you should, you just never know when you might need some help yourself so it’s important to do your bit.”
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Sharing his thoughts husband Joss said: “It feels great to know that we can make a huge difference together without sacrificing much time at all.
“There’s been no pain, no hardship and the whole process has been really enjoyable.”
Also doing their bit were another husband and wife team, David and Sarah Thompson.
Sarah, who teaches at Invergordon Academy, said: “So many of us have known someone who’s suffered from cancer or who’s had an accident.
“The need for blood can affect any of us at any time.
“Making sure we’re all doing our bit only takes an hour of every few months.
“It’s a small price to pay for something that could make a huge difference to someone else and potentially be lifesaving.”
David added: “The team have explained that every time you give blood it’s split into three separate parts (red cells, platelets, and plasma), meaning three lives can potentially be saved or improved with every donation.
“It feels remarkable to know that within 24 hours of giving our donations they’ll be on a hospital shelf somewhere ready to help save or improve lives.”
He continued: “It was really easy to book our slots together.
“The donation system is quick, painless and professional, and it feels really rewarding to be a part of the whole process.
“I’d say to anyone who’s either not given blood before or who hasn’t been along in a while to just give it a try. There’s nothing to lose and teacakes to gain!”
Highland News and Media wants to bring 5000 people from across the Highlands and Moray in to give blood between now and Easter.
Appointments are available weekly at Inverness Donor Centre within Raigmore Hospital with upcoming community donation sessions also set to be held at: Invergordon Leisure Centre (February 18, 3-4.30pm and 6-7.30pm): the Lochbroom Leisure Centre, Ullapool (February 19, 2.30-4pm and 5.30-7pm); Glen Urquhart High School in Drumnadrochit (February 24, 5.30-8pm) and Nairn Community and Arts Centre (February 25, 1-3.30pm and 5-7.30pm).
Book an appointment to give blood at www.scotblood.co.uk, or call 0345 90 90 999 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm).
