Give Blood – Give the Gift of Life
At Beacon, we believe small acts of kindness can have a big impact. As part of our 12 Good Deeds of Christmas, we’re shining a light on one of the most selfless gifts you can give this festive season — the gift of life through blood donation.
Every day, thousands of people across the UK rely on blood transfusions — from those recovering after surgery or accidents to patients living with conditions like cancer and sickle cell disorder.
Why Give Blood This Winter?
Winter is always a challenging time for the NHS. Cold weather, seasonal illnesses, and busy diaries mean fewer donation appointments get filled… yet demand for blood rises as hospitals work hard to clear surgery backlogs and prepare for emergencies.
According to the NHS Blood and Transplant winter appeal, hospitals across England are ordering hundreds more units of blood each week than usual in the run-up to Christmas.
Right now, the NHS urgently needs more donors with specific blood types — especially O negative, B negative, and the Ro subtype (most common among people of Black heritage). These blood types are vital for patients needing life-saving transfusions, including those living with sickle cell disorder.
Over the next eight weeks, more than 136,000 donation appointments are available across the UK. By booking one of them, you could make all the difference.
“Donating a unit of blood takes just an hour, and each donation can save up to three lives.”
Mark Chambers, Director of Donor Experience, NHS Blood and Transplant
A Community Effort That Saves Lives ❤️
Every time you donate, your blood can:
- Help someone through major surgery
- Support a patient undergoing cancer treatment
- Provide life-sustaining transfusions for a child with sickle cell
The NHS needs 4,300 donations every day, and more new donors from all backgrounds especially young people aged 17–35 and those of Black heritage — to ensure the right blood is always available when it’s needed most.
How to Get Involved
Giving blood is quick, safe, and deeply rewarding. Here’s how to start:
- Register online at www.blood.co.uk or download the NHS Give Blood app.
- Book your appointment at a local donation centre or mobile session.
- Give the gift of life: in just one hour, your donation could help up to three people this Christmas.
If you can’t see an appointment straight away, don’t worry, check again soon. Your blood will always be needed.
Beacon’s Good Deed Promise
At Beacon, we’re proud to support causes that bring people together and make a real difference in our communities. Blood donation is one of the simplest, most meaningful ways to show compassion and connection this festive season.
So, as you wrap gifts and share good cheer, why not give something that truly changes lives?
Be someone’s reason to celebrate this Christmas… GIVE BLOOD!
👉 Book your appointment today or call 0300 123 23 23.
To See the Journey of Your Donation…
Ever wondered what happens after you give blood?
Watch this short video from NHS Blood and Transplant to see how your donation travels from the donor chair to saving lives across the UK.
The Journey of Blood: What Happens After You Give Blood
#Beacons12GoodDeeds #GiveBlood #GiveLife #CommunityMatters
Tail-Wagging Heroes: The Gift of Dog Blood
🐶 Did You Know Dogs Can Be Blood Donors Too?
🐾 Four-Legged Heroes: Dogs Who Give the Gift of Life🩸At Beacon, we’re always inspired by the ways kindness shows up in our communities — and that includes our four-legged friends! Just like people, dogs sometimes need blood transfusions during surgery, accidents, or treatment for illness. But did you know that dogs can also donate blood to help save the lives of other dogs?
🐶 Hero Hounds: How Your Dog Can Save Lives with Blood Donation🐕Canine blood donation is a vital part of veterinary care. Through organisations like Pet Blood Bank UK, dogs can donate blood at sessions across the country, including Rutland House Veterinary Hospital in St Helens and Willows Veterinary Hospital in Hartford. Once collected, the blood is processed, stored, and sent to vets whenever it’s needed — operating 24/7 to ensure lifesaving blood is always available.
🩸💉Can your dog donate?
To become a donor, dogs must be:
- Fit and healthy 💪
- Between 1–8 years old 🎂
- Over 25kg ⚖️
- Calm and friendly 🐕
- UK or Ireland residents with no travel abroad 🌍
Off any medication 💊
🩸Blood donation appointments are quick (less than an hour), with the actual donation taking only 5–10 minutes. The procedure is handled by qualified veterinary staff, and your dog gets plenty of rest, water, and treats afterwards 💖
🩺 Blood Types & Special Breeds Dogs have blood types, too! Some, like DEA 1 Negative, are rare and highly in demand because they can be used in emergencies for any dog. Certain breeds are more likely to carry this blood type, including Boxers, Dobermans, German Shepherds, Greyhounds, Lurchers, and Weimaraners. 🐾 Once collected, the blood is processed, stored, and sent to vets whenever it’s needed, 24/7 to help dogs in emergencies. 🚑
🌟 The Lifesaving Impact One donation can help up to four other dogs, meaning a generous dog could save dozens of lives over their lifetime.
Even if your dog isn’t eligible, there are still plenty of ways to get involved — from volunteering at sessions to fundraising for lifesaving blood supplies. 🙌
📞 Get Started Today
If you think your dog might be a lifesaver, visit Pet Blood Bank UK or call 01509 232 222 to register or find out more about donation sessions near you.
Canine blood donation is a vital part of veterinary care. Organisations like Pet Blood Bank UK run donation sessions across the UK, including at Rutland House Veterinary Hospital in St Helens and Willows Veterinary Hospital in Hartford.
💖 Dogs Giving Life, One Drop at a Time🩸
