Unleash your inner hero (Spandex optional)

We’ve teamed up with Marvel Studios’ Deadpool and Wolverine to talk about something that’s even cooler than spandex suits – blood donation. But don't just take our word for it. Take it away Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman...

Did you know that every day, our NHS hospitals rely on 3,700 blood donations to keep the show running smoothly? Your blood isn't just chilling in a bag; it's out there fighting diseases, patching up boo-boos, and making surgeries a smashing success.

As a blood donor you're already a hero and your blood is your superpower.

Book your next appointment at blood.co.uk

Beating the heat

Whilst there’s every chance you’re reading this while gazing out the window at yet another rainy day (boo), we know it can sometimes be difficult to donate when the weather is warmer.

So, we’re sharing a few ways to beat the heat when you make a donation in the brighter months.

Here’s our list of life-saving tips:

• Wear loose-fitting clothes: you’ll be cooler and more comfortable if you leave the Spandex at home (believe us).
• Stay hydrated: drink plenty of water before your donation. Bonus points for bringing a reusable bottle.
• Eat iron-rich foods: donors are more likely to have lower haemoglobin levels in the summer – keep yours up by eating more iron.
• Check eligibility: some travel destinations mean waiting a little while before your next donation. Check out the list here.
• Enjoy our AC: many of our donor centres have air conditioning. Yes, that’s a flex. Yes, you’re invited. (Please come).

The NHS Stem Cell Donor Registry

We are launching a new name for the NHS Stem Cell Donor Registry.

The NHS Stem Cell Donor Registry – formerly the British Bone Marrow Registry – is open for male donors between 17 and 40 years old and female donors of Black, Asian, or mixed heritage who are between 17 and 40 years old.

It’s easy to register: please ask a member of staff to join the NHS Stem Cell Donor Registry before you next donate and an extra blood sample will be taken.

Once you have joined the register there is nothing more for you to do unless you are contacted.

It is rare to be found as a match but every additional donor we register increases the chances that one can be made.

Stem cell donation saves the lives of people who are battling many diseases including blood cancers like leukaemia.

If you are already registered via any of the other UK registers (DKMS UK, the Welsh Bone Marrow Donor Registry or Anthony Nolan), there is no need to join the NHS Stem Cell Registry as all UK registries are aligned when searching for a match. 

If you have previously joined the British Bone Marrow Registry, you don’t need to do anything as your records are simply included in the new registry. It is important, however, to keep your contact details up to date with us, including if you stop donating blood or platelets.

Find out more about stem cell donation.

Safety – our first priority

Safety is at the forefront of everything we do. The safety of donors and patients is our first priority.

We have several rigorous processes that ensure your safety when you give blood, plasma or platelets and maintain the health of the patients who receive blood products. These processes are regulated by several different organisations in the UK.

One of the most important safety measures we use is the donor safety check. This is the questionnaire you are asked to complete before donating. The answers you give about your lifestyle and medical history enable us to enhance the safety of the blood we deliver to hospitals.

Although we routinely test for a range of infections, we may also carry out additional tests based on your responses. For instance, we may test for West Nile Virus if you have recently visited an area that’s been recently affected by it.

That’s why we ask you to check your eligibility before you come in to donate, especially during summer when more people travel abroad.

You can check your eligibility to donate using our handy tool, here.