RESIDENTS of Selby have been urged to donate blood at a pair of special sessions this week.

Platelets, which are the vital blood clotting component of blood, only have a five-day shelf life, so NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), has set up the sessions in Selby to encourage people to donate and potentially save a life.

Darren Bowen, from NHSBT, said: “For many, October can be a quieter time of the year and with the dark nights drawing in it can be tempting to stay indoors. We are urging donors to come forward this month to help maintain blood stocks.

“If you are generally in good health you could potentially help to save up to three lives with every donation you give. “Colds and flu can have a knock-on effect with blood stocks. This is why we need people to act now to help save and improve patients’ lives.”

A single donation can be broken into red cells, plasma and platelets, which means that one donation can potentially save or improve the lives of up to three people.

Anyone aged between 17 and 65, who weighs more than 50 kg (seven stone 12lbs), and is in general good health could potentially become a blood donor, and there is no upper age limit for donors who have donated in the last two years.

Donation sessions are being held today and on Thursday at the Methodist church in Portholme Road, between 2pm and 4pm today and 5pm and 7.30pm on Thursday.

For more information or to book an appointment, phone 0300 123 23 23 or visit blood.co.uk