Bridget Phillipson, Member of Parliament for Houghton and Sunderland South, has spoken out in support of National Blood Week.

National Blood Week runs from 19 -25 June and celebrates the life-saving difference that blood donors make every day.

Over the last year 900,000 people have given up their time to help patients in need, but more new donors are desperately needed.

In England, 200,000 new blood donors are needed to ensure that patients in the future have access to the blood they need, when they need it.

There are 1244 registered blood donors in Houghton and Sunderland South -; just 1.4% of people in the constituency.

To register to give blood, visit blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23 to find your nearest session.

Bridget Phillipson MP said:

“I’m delighted to share my support for National Blood Week, which is a really important cause. I’m a donor myself and I know how straightforward it can be.

“Giving blood can make a real difference to someone’s life, but it’s clear that there simply aren’t enough donors to ensure people can get the blood they need.

“I know that a lot of local people donate blood, but I’d like to encourage more to do so. With only 1244 registered donors in Houghton and Sunderland South, we can do better.

“When you give blood, you can save someone’s life while going about your own.

“All you need to do is give blood, and you’ll be right there, helping someone when they need it.”