Giving blood is the name of the game for Ilkley PCSO

10:04am Saturday 3rd May 2008

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A Police Community Support Officer has lived up to his name by becoming a blood donor for the first time.

And PCSO Andrew Blood, who patrols Silsden, Steeton and Ilkley, is trying to encourage the wider community to get involved in giving blood.

He and Ilkley PC James Roberts visited Silsden Methodist Church, where nurses took just under a pint of blood from each of them.

Although donating for the first time, Mr Blood said he did not find the experience intimidating.

He said: "It was fine. I have always wanted to give blood and I thought it would be nice to actually do it this time.

"I have always thought it would be nice to pass on life to others, and we went to show that - after rushing about all day - even we can afford to spend 15 minutes of our time giving blood, and still carry on our duties afterwards.

"If we can do it, then so can others!"

Mr Blood said that he found the experience informative and would be back to give more blood next time it was his turn.

He said: "The people there are fairly informative and helpful, they made me really feel very relaxed.

"Afterwards I had to march up a big road Skipton Road to the top! I made sure I drank lots of water beforehand so I was OK.

"You can give blood every 16 weeks so I will definitely do it again."

Sergeant Darren Minton, from Ilkley Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "My colleagues often attend serious incidents when they see at first hand how vital it is to have sufficient blood available for emergency transfusions.

"I would certainly encourage my colleagues, as well as members of the public, to seriously consider giving blood at a donation session."

Every year the National Blood Service collects, tests, processes, stores and issues 2.1 million blood donations, and depends entirely on voluntary donations from the general public.

It tries to encourage existing donors to give three times a year.

It is also an integral part of the NHS, which guarantees to deliver blood, blood components, blood products and tissues from 15 blood centres to anywhere in England and North Wales.

For more information, visit (www.blood.co.uk).