Inverness Shinty Club back blood donation campaign
Inverness Shinty Club prides itself on going the extra mile for the community.
So it was no surprise really when its very own team mascot dropped in to the Inverness Donor Centre to show support for our Give Blood, Save Lives campaign to boost blood donation across the Highlands and Moray.
Although - being a bear - he wasn’t able to donate himself, club mainstay Jeya Calder (57) has given blood for many years and is happy to bang the drum for donation whenever she can.
The club’s “Jill of all trades” - from publicity to tea making - she said: “I gave blood for the first time when I was a student in Glasgow - and to be honest it was probably the free cup of tea and a biscuit you got afterwards that was the big draw at the time!
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“The question I would really ask anyone who was unsure about donating, though, is - why wouldn’t you give blood if you are able?
“It’s something most of can easily do, and you think about what a difference that just less than a pint donation can make to someone in need, to their family - why wouldn’t you help if you can?”
The shinty cub has organised collective donations previously and Jeya said that is because they are determined to be more than focused simply on the sport.
“The shinty club doesn’t exist on its own, it takes a community to make it happen,” she said.
“And on that basis we are always looking to do our bit for the community more widely - it’s giving back if you like.
“I'd say to any other group or club thinking of getting involved to just get on and do it. It's so easy to organise.
“You don't need to get a massive group together. If you just take the first steps to organise a few people, then those people might just encourage a few others and so on. It really just takes a few people to make a massive difference.'
The Inverness Blood Donor Centre holds donation sessions regularly.
Community sessions are also planned for Culduthel on April 21, Dingwall on April 29, Beauly on May 6 and Kingussie on May 7, among others. See www.scotblood.co.uk for full details on local sessions and how to register.
Highland News and Media wants to bring 5000 people from the Highlands and Moray 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).
