For as long as I can remember my mum and nan have always given blood. As a child I always went along with them, sat in the hall and asked lots of questions. I do however, remember going through a strange period of fearing that if they gave blood they'd die and I didn't want them to donate! Who knows where it came from, but I'm assuming I soon forgot it ha! Amazing what you remember isn't it.
So when I turned 17 and was studying at sixth form at my senior school and they popped up posters asking for people to join in, I knew I wasn't at all worried about give it a go.
So off I went, along with my boyfriend at the time...
I didn't like it, it didn't hurt but was a little uncomfortable, but I didn't feel too bad. My boyfriend was finished up before me, came over to the bed to see how I was and tottered off for his tea and biscuits (they're free afterwards you know!) Little did I know that around 40 seconds later, the sound of the yelling 'we've got a fainter!' was in aid of him hehe! I did have a laugh, but he was ok - although I'm not sure if he ever gave blood again!!
Fast forward 15 years later and I'm still going, every time I'm able and today I hit my 20th donation! I've had a few breaks through the years, after being tattooed you didn't use to be able to donate for 6 months, so if my timing was off when I got inked I'd miss out. Now you only have to wait 4 months! Although I would like to have given more by now, 20 will do.
It's the same as it always was, I'm not keen on needles, sometimes it's a little uncomfortable (like today in a sweltering hall!). But the staff are the friendliest ever and that hour or so of your time is so well spent! Times have changed a little, there's no beds anymore, new fandangled tilty chairs. But tea and biscuits are still free!
So my giving blood goal (no I won't stop when I get there) is 22 donations. This is the amount of blood transfusions my little sister had soon after birth.
My little sister was born at 24 weeks gestation, weighing 1lb 7oz. She was one of a twin, but the sole survivor. If it wasn't for those people who selflessly donated blood - she would not be here with two children of her own, simple as that. She is unable to give blood, as she's received it herself, so I'm more than happy to do so on her behalf. Mum still gives blood, Nanny did up until she couldn't due to her health and I even drag Mr B along sometimes!
So if you've always thought about it and never done it, go along, do something amazing today, give blood ❤️
Here's the website to read about it and check out when they're in your area...
http://www.blood.co.uk
TTFN, Mrs. B xx
