Scottish Rugby Player and Give Blood 4 Good Ambassador Ollie Smith is encouraging everyone to book an appointment in Ayr this August.
You can book an appointment in Ayr for either the 5th, 6th or 7th August at the Citadel Leisure Centre. Sign up to give blood at www.scotblood.co.uk or by calling 0345 90 90 999 (phonelines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm).
Ollie recently visited his old stomping ground Ayr Rugby Club to encourage the rugby community to step up and donate.
‘I first donated blood during a blood drive organised by the great team at Give Blood 4 Good, a charity set up by my family after my brother, Patrick, passed away in 2019. He was a massive advocate and supporter for donating blood and donated many times prior to his untimely death.
I only see the positive benefits that giving blood has and how it can really help those in need. The fact that it only takes around half an hour out of my day to potentially save up to three lives is enough for me to donate.
One of the best things about giving blood is definitely the rewarding feeling after you have donated but also meeting the lovely staff at the donor centre who are so friendly and chatty whilst you’re donating… plus the treats at the end, has to be a Tunnocks tea cake for me!
My advice to first time donors is don’t be nervous about giving blood and make sure that you’ve had plenty to eat and drink prior to your appointment.’
Donations can drop by around 20% during the school holidays so there’s never been a better time to sign up and support Scotland’s patients.
Each donation can save or improve the lives of up to three people.
Sign up to give blood at www.scotblood.co.uk or by calling 0345 90 90 999 (phonelines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm).
