DONORS are needed to boost blood stocks by more than 30 per cent before the start of the Olympic Games in July.

Past experience has shown that even the region’s 144,000 regular donors miss appointments during national events and celebrations, as routines are disrupted.

This, combined with the high numbers of international visitors with a different native blood mix to our own may also put high demand on specific blood groups.

Saimina Virmani from Blackburn, who received blood during the birth of her child, is supporting the launch of the campaign to raise awareness of the need for existing and new donors to give blood.

Saimina said: “I would like to thank all those who give blood for helping to save my life. Please donate this summer to help other people like me and make a real difference to someone’s life.”

Donors of all blood groups are needed, but donors of O+, O- and B- are particularly needed.

Male donors can now give four times in 12 months, as long as they wait 12 weeks between donations. Women are advised to only donate three times a year to protect them from developing health problems such as anaemia.

To find out about eligibility, visit www. blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.