A LITTLE girl whose life was saved by blood transfusions is encouraging donors to give blood during the Easter school holidays.

Lillie Christie, six, who used to live in Freshbrook, has crafted an Easter themed thank you picture to remind people to give blood and ensure NHS Blood and Transplant has the blood stocks available to meet demand.

In October 2013, Lillie fell critically ill. She suffered a severe drop in her blood haemoglobin level, which carries oxygen around the body.

Lillie needed 10 blood transfusions over two years at Oxford John Radcliffe Hospital and thanks to blood donors, she has bounced back.

Richard Christie, Lillie’s father said: “We are eternally grateful to all the selfless people who are willing give blood to help people like our daughter. She wouldn’t be with us now without blood donors - we cannot thank them enough.

“When she became ill, she was so quiet, she just had no energy whatsoever and it was the complete opposite of what she is usually like. That’s when we realised something was wrong

“We feel very proud of her and everything she has done. She is only young but she understands how important blood donation is. It’s because of this I have become a donor myself."

Blood stocks are more vulnerable to low supply around public holidays like Easter as the weather improves, and people go on holiday or enjoy days out with family.

It is vital stocks are constantly replenished as blood has a shelf life of only 35 days and platelets only seven days.

Hospitals across England need more than 6,000 blood donations every day to treat patients.

Karen Healy, from NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “Every blood donation can help save or improve up to three lives and we would like to thank all our blood donors for their dedication. The need for blood never stops and I urge donors to book an appointment in the Easter holidays if it’s time for them to donate again.”

To book a donation appointment visit www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23