Basingstoke ObserverDONATING blood or organs are the most important things you can do to make a difference to someone else’s life, according to new research which ranks altruistic acts.
A survey of 2,189 adults in England placed blood and organ donation top in a poll of ways that people felt they could make a real difference to other people’s lives.
As most New Year resolutions are starting to fade, NHS Blood and Transplant are urging people not to ditch their New Year resolution but instead switch and make a pledge to register as a blood or organ donor.
One organ donor can save or transform up to nine lives after their death through organ donation and save and transform even more by donating tissue. In 2020 – 2021, across the UK, 3,391 people had their lives saved thanks to the generosity of 1,180 people who donated their organs after death.
On average around 1.4 million units of blood are issued to hospitals each year. Blood donation is safe, easy and takes just one hour. Each donation can save or improve up to three lives. People can also donate plasma and platelets at some centres.
Helen Duggan, Assistant Director of Marketing and Creative Services at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “New Year is a time when lots of people make resolutions to make a change for the better, but many of these resolutions don’t last longer than a few days or weeks and many people feel disheartened when they fail. Instead, we want to highlight the simple ways that people can feel good by making a positive change and help to save lives – by donating blood or by having a conversation with their loved ones about their organ donation decision and registering as an organ donor.”
We’re heartened to see the results of this survey which shows altruistic giving is still a top priority for people and as we begin a new year we hope that feeling of giving will continue to shape our communities.”
Register today and book an appointment by calling 0300 123 23 23, downloading the GiveBloodNHS app, or visiting blood.co.uk.
