Local MP Marcus Jones took time out of his busy parliamentary schedule this week to donate blood for the first time.

Blood donation is vital to saving lives, and is used to benefit many people. Each pint of whole blood donated by one person can help three patients. Occasionally, one pint of blood may be separated into its various components such as plasma, red blood cells and others, which can help up to seven people. 

Commenting after giving blood, Marcus said: “Being a blood donor is a very worthwhile experience, knowing that potentially the blood donated is being used to save a life. It is never too late to start giving blood and blood transfusions have helped to save thousands of lives in the country.

“I would encourage anyone interested in giving blood to contact the NHS Blood and Transplant Service.”

The Blood and Transplant Service can be contacted on 0300 123 23 23.