Inverness BID team show their support for blood donation campaign
Members of the Inverness BID team rolled up their sleeves to donate blood as part of our Give Blood, Save Lives campaign, reinforcing the importance of giving back to the community in a life-changing way.
For BID deputy manager Margaret Laws the campaign holds deep personal significance.
After giving birth 13 weeks early, she required a blood transfusion herself, while her baby, weighing just two pounds at birth, relied on multiple transfusions during his three-month hospital stay.
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“Without blood donors, I don’t know what would have happened to us,” she said.
“When you’ve been on the receiving end, you appreciate how vital every donation is.
“I am forever grateful to those who gave blood, and I would urge anyone who can to do so - you never know whose life you might be saving.”
Among the team giving from BID at the Inverness Donor Centre, based at Raigmore Hospital, was first-time donor Janice Worthing, the group’s ambassador and operations co-ordinator.
For her it was an exercise in facing a personal challenge head-on.
“I am actually terrified of needles, even the thought of them!” she said.
“But this year I was determined to push past that. Honestly, it was not like I imagined and was actually fine.
“More importantly, it could help save a life, so that made it a really rewarding experience too. I would definitely do it again.”
The group’s business engagement and support co-ordinator Kelly Johns was also inspired by the campaign to get back to donating, having previously given blood some years ago.
Reflecting on the importance of fitting it back into her routine she said: “I had given blood before, but that was a long time ago.
“It’s such a simple process, and I think a lot of people, including myself, forget how easy it is to help save a life.
“I would encourage other teams to please donate to help us raise awareness. It’s so quick and easy and can be fitted in over a lunch break.”
Operations and business support assistant Aizak McIver also donated on the day.
“A family member of mine requires regular blood treatment, so I’ve seen first-hand how vital donated blood is,” he said.
“I had been thinking about giving blood for a while now, and taking part in this campaign felt like the perfect time to start.
“It was much easier than I expected, and I’ll definitely be donating again. I’d encourage others, especially young people, to do the same.”
Inverness BID hopes their participation will encourage more individuals and businesses alike to also consider donating.
Highland News and Media wants to bring 5000 people in to give blood between now and Easter.
Join our campaign to give blood and save lives.
Book an appointment to give blood at www.scotblood.co.uk, or call 0345 90 90 999 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm).
