Eastleigh MP Mims Davies gave blood today and urged more donors to follow suit following a substantial drop in the last few years of those willing to give a pint.
Mims, who is an A+ blood type, made a donation for the first time in a decade at Westminster.
“NHS Blood and Transplant needs all types of blood, so I urge everyone to think about giving some and making an amazing difference to someone’s life." said Mims.
“It really has been too long since my last donation, and it was great to do it knowing it could make that difference. My mother in law recently had a hip replacement and needed blood afterwards. It reminded me that it's important for us all to play their part in giving blood if you can."
“Everyone can now book an appointment online and it takes around half an hour to do, so many people should be able to make time in their day to potentially help save a life. As we run up to Christmas and get busier still, it's really important to keep local blood stocks high."
Figures earlier this year found that around 204,000 people will have to come forward to donate in 2015 in order to keep the nation’s blood stocks at a safe level.
Women can give blood three times a year and men four times a year.
The rise in exotic holidays, which can bar people from donating, and longer working hours are some of the reasons for an around 40% drop in donors over the last ten years.
More information about how you can give blood is available at: www.blood.co.uk