Just 6% of the eligible population have
given blood in Britain.
Assuming that everybody who donated blood did so once, that would mean one person in 41 in Tyne and Wear has
given blood this year.
Kevan Moore, 66, from Bromborough, has
given blood 85 times, having started donating in his late teens: "I was an apprentice gas fitter and first donated when they came round to my workplace.
"The process of blood donation may be off-putting to those who have never
given blood before as there is an element of the unknown.
After you have
given blood, we will ask you to rest for a short while and then have some light refreshments.
Ryan's dad Jeroen, 34, had never
given blood but is now a regular donor.
I know it's not always front of mind when you are thinking of taking a holiday but if you've never
given blood before, please take just a few minutes out of your busy day to register your details on the register.
Together, they have
given blood more than 450 times.
UK Health Secretary John Reid announced this week that 17 people have been
given blood from donors subsequently diagnosed with variant CJD.
AT least 100 men - all haemophiliacs - have been
given blood containing new variant CJD.
Tony Hancock provided the inspiration for a Midland man who has just
given blood for the 500th time.
Many who donated as a tribute to the 54-year-old business leader had never
given blood before.