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Bridgend Covid-19 field hospital to host lifesaving blood donation sessions

A unique collaboration between the Welsh Blood Service and Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board will see a Covid-19 field hospital in Bridgend being used to collect vital whole blood donations throughout August. The 400-bed field hospital, located at the site of the old Harman Becker unit in Bridgend, was rapidly established at the outset … Continue reading Bridgend Covid-19 field hospital to host lifesaving blood donation sessions

Police officer’s donation gives rare blood cancer patient a chance of survival

A Carmarthen police officer has described the honour of potentially saving the life of a person fighting a rare form of cancer as he encourages others to sign up to the Welsh Bone Marrow Donor Registry. When Dyfed-Powys Police PC Kieran Morris went through the stem cell donation procedure, he gave a blood cancer patient … Continue reading Police officer’s donation gives rare blood cancer patient a chance of survival

Collaborative report into evidence on gay and bisexual men and blood donation still due in 2020

The FAIR steering group has been exploring whether some gay and bisexual men might be able to donate blood without a deferral. The work has been delayed by the coronavirus pandemic but it is progressing and the group is hoping to submit a report before the end of the year. FAIR (For the Assessment of … Continue reading Collaborative report into evidence on gay and bisexual men and blood donation still due in 2020

Lifesavers go the extra mile during lockdown

Loyal blood donors across Wales have responded to a request from the Welsh Blood Service to ‘donate differently’ by rolling up their sleeves to make a lifesaving donation at one of the Service’s new regional hubs. Of the 6,234 individuals that visited a Welsh Blood Service donation session in April, almost two thirds (65%) of … Continue reading Lifesavers go the extra mile during lockdown

Wrexham AFC captain gives blood to help save lives during lockdown

Wrexham AFC skipper and blood donor Shaun Pearson is leading the charge to encourage club fans and local residents to start donating blood. After sharing a message alongside team mate Paul Rutherford urging people to put their lockdown time to good use by giving blood, Pearson signed himself up to donate at the Parish Hall … Continue reading Wrexham AFC captain gives blood to help save lives during lockdown

Ponty fans urged to ‘try’ saving lives

Pontypridd RFC has teamed up with the Welsh Blood Service to encourage Ponty fans to put their lockdown time to good use by giving essential blood donations. Giving blood is considered ‘essential travel’ under the latest government guidelines and people across the local area who are fit and well are being called upon to make … Continue reading Ponty fans urged to ‘try’ saving lives

Rodon encourages fans to help save lives during lockdown

Swansea City FC and Wales international, Joe Rodon, is urging football fans to put their lockdown time to good use by giving blood and saving lives. Swans fans have been without football since 7 March following a draw at the Liberty Stadium against West Bromwich Albion. In a video message recorded by the 22 year … Continue reading Rodon encourages fans to help save lives during lockdown

Blood donors asked to support coronavirus changes

Travelling to donate blood classed as “essential travel” under government guidance. Blood donors across Wales are being asked to ‘donate differently’ to maintain healthy blood stocks for the NHS during the Coronavirus pandemic. In response to the global pandemic, which has put pressure on the blood collections programme across Wales, the Welsh Blood Service is … Continue reading Blood donors asked to support coronavirus changes

Granddaughter thanks blood donors for giving grandfather priceless, “extra” year.

A granddaughter from Torfaen is thanking blood donors across Wales for giving her family valuable time with her grandfather after he was diagnosed with cancer in 2018. Holly Davies, 19 stated grandfather David Rees received over 60 blood and four platelet donations over an 18 month period after he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, … Continue reading Granddaughter thanks blood donors for giving grandfather priceless, “extra” year.

“Save lives” for World Cancer Day says Caerphilly donor after reaching 1,000 donations.

“Save lives” for World Cancer Day says Caerphilly donor after reaching 1,000 donations. A retired steelworker from Caerphilly is calling on more people to give blood or platelets this World Cancer Day (February 4th) after he reached an incredible 1,000 donations for the Welsh Blood Service, a milestone which took over four decades to achieve. … Continue reading “Save lives” for World Cancer Day says Caerphilly donor after reaching 1,000 donations.

Students and staff at Y Pant School potentially save over 180 lives

Students and staff from Y Pant School, Talbot Green, have been thanked by the Welsh Blood Service for hosting their first blood donation clinic to help patients in need across the country. The school was also joined by students from Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive School, Beddau (Pontypridd). On the day, 61 blood donations were made, 42 … Continue reading Students and staff at Y Pant School potentially save over 180 lives

Father and son reach milestone blood donations together

A Pembrokeshire father and son have been recognised by the Welsh Blood Service for donating enough blood to have potentially saved or improved up to 450 lives. Retired Head Verger of St Davids Cathedral, Barrie Webb, from Haverfordwest, was one of the local donors that were recognised at a recent awards ceremony for reaching the … Continue reading Father and son reach milestone blood donations together

Stanwell students and staff potentially save more than 2,000 lives

Students and staff from Stanwell School are being thanked by the Welsh Blood Service for collectively donating enough units of blood to have potentially saved more than 2000 lives. Stanwell became the first school in Wales to host its own donation session for students and staff in 2015. The 60 donations collected at a recent … Continue reading Stanwell students and staff potentially save more than 2,000 lives

Newport lifesaver recognised for 100 blood donations

A Bassaleg woman, who is one of Wales’ longest serving blood donors, is encouraging local residents to “give it a go” after being recognised by the Welsh Blood Service for reaching 100 blood donations, a milestone that has taken her 59 years to achieve. Jeanne Butcher, 71, was one of four local donors that were … Continue reading Newport lifesaver recognised for 100 blood donations

Christmas Plus One

#ChristmasPlusOne campaign This year we’re asking you to help promote your local clinic in three simple steps. 1. Choose the donation session you want to promote from the drop down list below. 2. Click ‘get my invitation’ and use the social media icons to share your donation session with friends. 3. Tell your friends to … Continue reading Christmas Plus One

Whitchurch High School students learn a lifesaving lesson

Students and staff from Whitchurch High School have been thanked by the Welsh Blood Service for rolling up their sleeves and giving blood to help patients in need. More than 60 blood donations were recently made at the first blood donation session to be held specifically for students and staff at the school, potentially saving … Continue reading Whitchurch High School students learn a lifesaving lesson

Cowbridge comprehensive students and staff roll up their sleeves to help save lives.

Students and staff from Cowbridge Comprehensive School have been thanked by the Welsh Blood Service for giving the gift of life by donating blood. More than 50 blood donations were recently given at a blood donation session held at the school. This was the second donation session to be held at the school, with over … Continue reading Cowbridge comprehensive students and staff roll up their sleeves to help save lives.

The Duke of Cambridge awards Cath O’Brien MBE

The Duke of Cambridge has awarded former Welsh Blood Service Director, Cath O’Brien, with a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to the Welsh Blood Service and the adoption of Cell and Gene Therapy in Wales. A pharmacist by profession, Cath joined the Welsh Blood Service in 2013 and led … Continue reading The Duke of Cambridge awards Cath O’Brien MBE

Monmouth Schools unite to help save lives.

Three schools in Monmouth town are being praised by the Welsh Blood Service after a mix of 59 students, staff and parents took time out to give blood. Monmouth School for Girls, Monmouth School for Boys and Monmouth Comprehensive School are the first to join a new cohort of five other Comprehensive Schools across Wales. … Continue reading Monmouth Schools unite to help save lives.

One hundred milestone donor thanks wife for starting his lifesaving journey.

An Aberystwyth man, who is one of Wales’ longest serving blood donors, is encouraging local residents to “make a difference”, after being recognised for reaching 100 blood donations. At a ceremony organised by the Welsh Blood Service in Lampeter, marking his outstanding lifesaving contribution to the people of Wales, Paul Lawlor was joined by two … Continue reading One hundred milestone donor thanks wife for starting his lifesaving journey.