The NHS is appealing for people to give blood this Christmas to help save lives. 

Donors are being asked to give the gift of blood this festive season to help the NHS over winter. 

They are asking people to book appointments and keep them to make sure every appointment turns into a vital lifesaving donation. 

Winter is always a challenge for blood stocks with cold weather, seasonal illnesses, and busier diaries. 

In the three weeks over last Christmas and new year, hospitals needed 1,000 more units of blood than the NHS was able to collect in this period, which demonstrates how vulnerable blood stocks can be over the festive season. 

A list of venues where blood can be donated in Bolton can be found here: https://bitly.ws/34Eek. 

To register or book an appointment, visit blood.co.uk.

There are also almost 1200 appointments available at Manchester city centre clinics over the next two weeks. 

At Norfolk House, which is near to the Arndale Shopping Centre, there are 699 free slots, and at Plymouth Grove, on the outskirts of the city centre, there are 486 spare appointments.

Mark Chambers, director of donor experience at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “We’re encouraging all of our amazing blood donors in Manchester to please book and keep their appointments and help us save lives this Christmas.

“Demand for lifesaving blood doesn’t stop for Christmas. Many patients will need transfusions over the festive period as treatment for a blood condition or cancer, or due to surgery, childbirth, or an accident.

“We’d also love to welcome anyone giving blood for the first time. If you don’t know your blood type you will find out after donating – you might find out you have the type patients especially need.

“It only takes an hour to give blood and each donation can help save or improve up to three lives.”