This Non-League Day, we’re teaming up with NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) and ACLT to raise awareness of the urgent need for more blood donors. The NHS relies on three blood donations every minute to maintain essential supplies for patients. Blood donations are used to treat medical conditions such as sickle cell and cancer, as well as to save lives in emergency surgeries and childbirth.

Why is this important?

Right now, we need more new donors, particularly:
🩸 Young people (ages 17-35)
🩸 People of Black heritage
🩸 O negative donors, whose blood can be used in emergencies

Sickle Cell: A Growing Urgent Need

Sickle cell is the fastest-growing genetic disorder in the UK, with 245 babies born each year with the condition. It disproportionately affects Black heritage communities, and patients often require regular blood transfusions.

🔴 Donors of Black heritage are 10x more likely to have the rare blood types needed to treat patients with sickle cell.
🔴 On average, a patient with sickle cell needs blood from 100 donors every year to stay alive.

Giving Blood is Quick and Easy!

🕐 The process takes just one hour from start to finish.
💉 One donation can save up to three adults or six babies.
📍 There are 26 permanent donor centres across England and hundreds of community blood donation sessions, making it easy to find an appointment that suits you.

Give Blood. Save Lives.

👉 If you’re the giving type, book now at blood.co.uk