By Ross Winton
Donations save lives.
The number of regular blood donors in Scotland is beginning to fall dramatically according to The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service.
Figures revealed this month showed that there are 30,000 less registered donors giving regularly in Scotland compared to ten years ago.
As is often the case in the build up to Christmas, the number of blood donors suffers a massive decrease as temperatures start to fall and donors begin to develop cold and flue symptoms.
The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service fear this year more than ever they will suffer a huge loss of donors as a result of the outbreak of swine flu around the country.
A spokesperson for the service said: “It is vital people who are able to donate blood do so, especially in the run up to Christmas and new year.”
“This winter could potentially be bad for us due to the problems with swine flu aswell as common cold and flue sufferers.”
“People have to understand that they are saving lives of people young and old who need blood transfusions.”
Last month, Edinburgh rivals Hearts and Hibs joined together in a bid to promote the need for blood donors in Scotland.
Hearts vice captain Marius Zaliukas and Hibs skipper Chris Hogg, dedicated their free time to donate blood and raise awareness of the falling numbers.
Anybody who is generally in good health, aged between 17-65 and weighs at least 7 stone 12 lbs can potentially give blood.
New blood donors should ensure they have had a recent seasonal flu or swine flu jab.
