George has extensive experience in the insurance industry and a deep understanding of the challenges travellers face, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions.
Every year on June 14th, countries worldwide celebrate World Blood Donor Day (WBDD), a Saturday this year. This global event highlights the critical importance of safe blood and blood products while expressing gratitude to the selfless individuals who donate blood to save lives.
Blood is the lifeline of healthcare systems, playing a vital role in helping patients recover from surgeries, cancer treatments, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. The demand for blood never stops - over 5,000 litres are required daily in the UK alone. Remarkably, a single donation can save or transform up to three lives.
World Blood Donor Day serves as a reminder of the power of giving and the profound impact voluntary donors have on countless lives.
Why is it Important to Donate Blood?
Every donation saves a life, and the need for blood never stops. Donated blood can truly make a life-changing difference—it could help a mum who’s just given birth and experienced complications, a critically injured car accident victim fighting for survival, a child undergoing cancer treatment and relying on transfusions to stay strong, or someone with a chronic illness requiring regular blood to maintain their health. Blood donations are essential for surgeries, medical emergencies, and ongoing treatments, making them an irreplaceable part of healthcare.
In 2022 - 2023, just under 800,000 people were registered to donate blood in the UK. However, the NHS notes that they need around 143,000 new donors every year to meet the ongoing demand. Yet not everyone is aware of how critical their contribution can be.
Every drop truly counts—your donation could be the one that gives someone another chance at life, whether tomorrow or in the years to come. By donating, you’re doing far more than giving blood—you’re giving hope, health, and a future to someone in need.
How is Donated Blood Used?
Blood is made up of a number of components, including red blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Each of these can be used to treat many different conditions. Blood is usually separated into its individual components or parts, so a patient can be given the particular component they need. This makes the most of every blood donation, as the components in one unit of blood (or one donation) can be used to treat different patients. Donated blood or components are given to a patient in a blood transfusion.
Around two-thirds of the blood donated in England is used to treat medical conditions, including anaemia, cancer, and blood disorders. The remaining third is used in surgery and emergencies, including childbirth.
Medical Travel Compared has created this clever guide to show the ways in which your amazing, donated blood could be used.
You and Your Extraordinary BloodBlood Types
Blood types play a vital role in the success and safety of blood transfusions. There are four main blood groups, A, B, AB, and O, each determined by the presence or absence of specific antigens on the surface of red blood cells. Additionally, blood is further classified by the Rhesus factor, which can be either positive or negative. This means there are eight possible blood types in total.
Some blood types are more common than others. As noted on the NHS Give Blood website, the following shows how common each blood type is:
- O positive: 36%
- O negative: 14%
- A positive: 28%
- A negative: 8%
- B positive: 8%
- B negative: 3%
- AB positive: 2%
- AB negative: 1%
With AB negative blood being extremely rare, people with this blood type are encouraged to donate if they are willing and able.
As you can see, patients who are the O negative (O-) blood type, whilst known as a "Universal Donor" (as all other blood types can benefit from it), can only receive O negative blood, which is why the NHS is keen to receive as many blood donations as possible. The more varied donations they receive, the less likely the NHS need to rely on using O negative.
My Experience with Donating Blood
George has extensive experience in the insurance industry and a deep understanding of the challenges travellers face, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions.
As a blood donor myself, I find it incredibly rewarding to give a pint of blood for such a worthy cause. The first time I ever donated - on Christmas Eve 2021 - I was nervous and anxious. You hear horror stories about how people react, and the paperwork you have to read beforehand doesn’t help settle the nerves. I remember thinking, “What am I doing here?”
But the wonderful team at the donation centre were so helpful. They welcomed me with open arms and were genuinely grateful for my donation. One thing I really appreciated was receiving a notification a few weeks later, letting me know where my donation had ended up.
To date, I’ve donated blood eight times, with my ninth appointment booked for August. People often ask me what the worst part of donating is - and I’m sure other donors will agree - it’s the finger prick to check your iron levels before you donate. The actual donation is a lot easier!
Who Can Give Blood?
Most people are eligible to give blood. You can donate if you:
- Are fit and healthy.
- Weigh between 50kg and 158kg (or 7 stone 12 lbs to 25 stone).
- Are aged 17 to 66 (or up to 70 if you’ve donated blood before).
- Are over 70 and have given a full blood donation within the last two years.
Right now, the NHS has an urgent need for:
- Male donors – Men can donate more frequently than women.
- Black donors – Ro blood, a vital type for many black patients, is in high demand.
- O negative donors – This universal blood type is crucial, as it can be used for any patient.
When you donate blood, your body will replenish the plasma within 48 hours. Red blood cell replacement takes a little longer—about four to eight weeks for complete renewal.
Thank the Blood Donors in Your Life
This World Blood Donor Day, let’s appreciate the unsung heroes who selflessly donate blood to save lives. These individuals deserve our gratitude for their kindness and generosity. You never know when you or a loved one might need a life-saving blood transfusion - and that blood doesn’t appear out of thin air.
Donating blood isn’t always easy; some donors may feel unwell afterwards, yet they continue to give because they understand the importance of their contribution.
How do I Give Blood?
Giving blood takes around an hour, with the donation itself lasting just 5-10 minutes. The first thing you need to do is register to give blood by visiting here: Before Registering to Become A Blood Donor
Tens of thousands of people are doing something amazing by registering for the growing community of blood donors, ready to save lives when the NHS needs them. Every blood donation helps to save a life.
By becoming a blood donor, you have the chance to make a real difference in someone's life. Every donation matters, and your contribution could help save or improve the lives of those in need. It's a simple yet powerful act of kindness. If you’re able, take the next step today - register, donate, and help support this vital cause.