There are several dates coming up on the Isle of Wight, starting this Wednesday, for your opportunity to give blood.
We must all know someone who has received blood after being in an accident or through operations, but did you know that for people with terminal illnesses, a blood transfusion can help improve their quality of life during their final months, weeks or even days.
Karen Clarke, a Community Nurse who gives transfusions to the terminally ill in their own homes, says, “These vital transfusions give patients a better quality of life. It gives them the energy and ability to enjoy this precious, final time with their families.”
Who can give blood?
If you are generally in good health, age 17 to 65 (if it’s your first time) and weigh at least 7st 12Ib you can donate. You can give blood every 16 weeks, that’s approximately every four months.
If you’re worried that you might not be able to give blood, check out the official site for more info about restrictions.
For full details of where you can give blood on the Isle of Wight, check out the listings on Events on the Wight
Image: abhishek_jacob under CC BY-SA 2.0
