Giving blood is meaningful and saves lives

Dear sir - As we approach Christmas 2010 and another new year, I would like, on behalf of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) – Ardee Centre, to extend Christmas greetings and best wishes to over 20,000 voluntary blood donors in the northeast area who have throughout 2010 given the greatest gift of all, 'The Gift of Life'. This precious life saving gift, you can be assured, assisted in the recovery of many patients in our hospitals. Approximately 3,000 donations must be collected each and every week of the year to supply our hospitals. Most of us at some stage in our lives maybe touched by a family member or friend, seriously ill and needing the gift of blood, in fact one in four of us may need a blood transfusion at some point in our lives. It costs nothing to give blood but means so much to those who receive it. I would at this time like to thank each and every donor for their ongoing commitment to the IBTS and to patient care in our hospitals. I would also like to thank the many local voluntary organisers who assist us in preparing for each clinic visit and also thank those who help the IBTS in any way. I would urge those who are eligible to donate and have not yet done so to donate now and not leave it to others. To become a blood donor you must be in good health, between 18 and 65 years of age and weigh at least 50kgs (7st 12lbs). You can donate every 90 days. Why not check our web site www.giveblood.ie or check www.facebook.com/giveblood and view the informative video 'The Blood Line'. Everyone knows that giving blood provides a great opportunity for people to give something meaningful and special to society and more importantly to save lives. Please give the 'Gift of Life' this Christmas and I would also urge our many Donors to donate blood at least twice during 2011, it will help make a real difference to someone in need. In the past few weeks, due to the adverse weather conditions, both clinic staff and our donors found travelling to and from blood donor clinics in the northeast difficult. Many thanks to those who made the effort and to the Defence Forces who helped in the transportation of clinic staff. Further information about donating blood and locations and dates of your local clinics can be obtained on www.giveblood.ie or by contacting the Ardee Centre at (041) 685 9994 or locall 1850 731137. Finally, many thanks to you and your staff for your continued support and ongoing local publicity for our clinics. With every best wish for Christmas and 2011. Yours, John Healy, Area Manager, Irish Blood Transfusion Service, Ardee Centre, Co Louth.