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Manchester Phoenix ice hockey stars roll up their sleeves and give blood

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Members of Manchester Phoenix ice hockey team are set to fulfill a promise on Monday when they roll up their sleeves and give blood.

In October the team launched a joint campaign with the National Blood Service to encourage ice hockey fans to give blood, and the players pledged their full support. Despite a busy match schedule, members of the team will be at Manchester Donor Centre on Monday to give a pint and save lives.

It’s crucial that enough blood is available for the Christmas and New Year bank holidays. Hospitals in the Greater Manchester area need around 1,300 donations every week to ensure patients in hospitals in Greater Manchester are able to receive life saving treatments.

However during December it becomes harder to build up blood stocks. Winter illnesses such as colds and flu mean donations must be postponed, and with many people busy visiting friends and family or going away on holiday, blood donation can fall by as much as 10%. This makes it a real challenge to get blood banks well stocked by Christmas Eve.

If you are aged between 17 - 60 years of age, in general good health and weigh over 7st 12lbs you could support the campaign. Ring the National Donor Helpline on 0845 7 711 711 (open 24hrs) or visit www.blood.co.uk to register your details, book an appointment or find venues and times for blood donation sessions in your area.

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