I got an interesting e-mail today.

I attended a blood-donor session a week gone Tuesday in South Shields and they now send an e-mail thanking you.

But I got another e-mail yesterday asking if I would like to see what happened to my blood donation, so I thought “Why not” and ticked the box.

They sent a step-by-step procedure of where the blood goes and the tests and procedures that are carried out before the blood is distributed.
It can be split into three components, so that three separate patients can benefit from the one donation.

My blood was taken from South Shields to Manchester, where it was quarantined until tested clear, then taken to James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough.

I was talking to one of the nurses during the procedure and she was telling me that donations were down, not only because of Covid but because so many people are now getting tattoos and piercings, which prevent you giving blood for 4 months.

So come on you young’uns, give a pint of blood. It only takes about an hour from start to finish, you could save three lives and they have a lovely selection of biscuits.

I’m 80years old and have just donated my 123rd pint.
So what's your excuse?

IT DOES NOT HURT!!