On the 11th March, I donated blood again for the second time. A small act that takes less than an hour but has the potential to change someone's life.
When you arrive, they ask for your name, date of birth, address and donor number. Don't worry if you've left your card at home - I did - and they found me on the system no problem. You're handed a tablet to fill out a short questionnaire, an information booklet to read, and a pint of water to drink. I had my trusty Stanley flask with me, so I was one step ahead.
After filling out the form, you wait to be called over for a quick finger prick test to check your iron levels. They also ask a few extra questions about your health and any recent travel, just to be sure everything's good to go.
Then it's over to the waiting area until a nurse calls you over for the donation itself. The nurses are great! Friendly, calm and quick to get things going. They use a blood pressure cuff to help find your vein, pass you a makeshift stress ball (usually a bandage) and keep things light throughout.
Here's a quick snap mid donation, it's not glamorous, but its real. This was in a local leisure centre, everyone quietly doing something that could save a life.
The actual donation took ten minutes. After that, you're advised to rest, avoid anything strenuous, and then it's time to head over to the refreshments table.
While I was having my tea and biscuit (or three), one of the team told myself and fellow donors that he wouldn't be alive today if it weren't for people donating blood. And I realised I'm in a similar position. My mum who donated blood for as long as I can remember, needed a transfusion herself. Without it, she wouldn't be here today either.
A few days ago, I received this message:
My donation had been sent to Wrexham Maelor Hospital to help someone in need.
If you are able to give blood, do it.
It's a small part of your day that could change the rest of someone else's. You never know who might need it - a stranger, a loved one, or even you one day. Book the appointment, take the time, and be part of something that genuinely saves lives.
You can check your eligibility and find your nearest clinic by visiting the Welsh Blood Service's website here.