Blood transfusion saved my daughter's life (From Swindon Advertiser)

11:20am Sunday 6th January 2008

A GRATEFUL mum wants more Swindon people to make a donation at the blood bank, which saved her daughter's life.

Carolyne Nobes' daughter Cara was just five and a half weeks old when she needed a lifesaving blood transfusion.

"It was only a tablespoon of blood that she got but it saved her life," said the 29-year-old from Peatmoor.

"She was born 10 weeks premature and had become anaemic."

Cara is now 21 months old and doing well.

But the experience has made sure that Carolyne continues donating blood.

"I tend to give blood twice a year and must have done it about 18 times," she said.

"As I have one of the rarer blood types that spurs me on as well.

"It is important to stress to people that it isn't even painful and you could really make a difference.

"It takes 30 minutes to an hour of your time and you have the potential to save a life."

Only four per cent of the population regularly gives blood.

And over Christmas and New Year stock levels in the Swindon area dropped by about 10 per cent.

Also because of the busy festive period fewer people have recently donated blood - adding to pressure on supplies.

Ruth Greenway, spokeswoman for the National Blood Service said: "All of this makes this time of year a real challenge for us.

"So we are urging people to give blood.

"By giving up just one hour and making a vital donation you could make a valuable contribution and save lives."

To donate you have to be aged between 17 and 60, be in good general health and weigh over 7st 12lbs.

And there will be three chances to make donations in Swindon in the next month.

The County Ground hosts a blood donor session between 1.15pm and 4pm and 5pm to 7.45pm on Friday, January 11.

It then hosts another on Friday, January 18, at the same times.

The next session will be held at the John Moulton Hall, on Penhill Drive, on Friday, February 1, between 9.45am and 12.30pm and then 2.30pm and 5pm.

To book an appointment call the 24-hour phone line on 0845 7711711.

Find out more information by visiting www.blood.co.uk.

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