Local Member of Parliament Bridget Phillipson has backed a campaign by NHS Blood and Transplant Service to increase the number of blood donors from Sunderland.

According to figures published by NHSBT there are 6039 active blood donors in Sunderland, just 2.19% of the population.

NHS patients need blood 365 days of the year but missed appointments increase during December and January, especially as colds and flu prevent many from being able to attend.

Between December 27th and January 13th NHSBT service will be promoting its campaign on local and social media to encourage as many Sunderland residents as possible to donate blood and join the blood donor register.

Bridget Phillipson MP said:

“The NHS Blood and Transplant team deserve high praise for the work they do but they can only continue to do this with the help and support of donors.

“The most important gift we can all give this Christmas is to give blood. I’m calling on local residents who are able to donate blood to help save lives during this festive season.”

Further information on donating can be found on the NHSBT website: http://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/