Council staff donate blood
Chief Executive Simon Eden led the way when 40 staff at Winchester City Council gave blood during a visit of the National Blood Service "bloodmobile" to the Colebrook Street offices this week.
The visit was the first of several planned to the City Offices to help the growing need for blood donors.
"Over 70 volunteers came forward to give blood but the bloodmobile can only accommodate 40 on any one day," said staff organisers Gill Southam and Coral Rogers. "The bloodmobile will be visiting the city offices on a regular basis from now on."
Mr Eden said he was pleased to play a part in increasing the number of donors and he hoped it would encourage others in the district to attend a local donor session.
Louise Coxon, a spokesperson for the National Blood Service (NBS), said they were delighted that the City Council decided to hold its own donor session.
"At the moment only 6% of the UK eligible population actually roll up their sleeves to donate blood so the support of everyone at the council is really valued. We would like to say thank you to everyone who took some time out of their busy day to help save a life by giving blood," she added.
General blood donor sessions being held in the Winchester area in the next two months are:
Holy Trinity Church Hall, Upper Brooke Street, Winchester
Tuesday 16th March, 1pm - 3.25pm & 4.30pm - 6.15pm.
Tuesday 20th April, 1pm - 3.25pm & 4.30pm - 6.15pm.
Millennium Memorial Hall, The Hallway, Main Road, Littleton, Nr Winchester
Wednesday 7th April, 1.30pm - 3.25pm & 4.30pm - 6.45pm
Community Centre, Meadow Way, Badger Farm, Winchester
Friday 16th April, 1pm - 3.25pm & 4.30pm - 6.15pm.
Blood donors can make an appointment in advance for these sessions by calling the NBS Helpline on 08457 711 711.