Just do it!

I've been to give blood after work today - I wanted to blip about what a quick and easy thing it is to do but, unfortunately, it wasn't! I had my first failed donation since I started giving blood 20 years or so (and 42 donations) ago. Normally I'm straight in and out but there was a bit of hanging about today - which I don't resent, after all it means they're busy which can only be a good thing - but it was a bad sign!

The needle went in smoothly enough - I do have a picture but it's not for the faint-hearted! Anyway, the needle needed a bit of wiggling to start the blood flowing. All went swimmingly for a few minutes, but then they had to stop the donation - all the wiggling in the world wasn't having any effect! The disappointing thing is that the blood they did get is useless - there's anti-coagulant in the bag which would be out of proportion with my half-donation. And I still can't give blood for another 4 months :-(

I'm a big believer in helping how and when you can, and I'm so disappointed that my donation has been in vain. Mostly I'm a bit passive - I donate monthly to a few charities but I don't run marathons or hold fundraisers. So this is me doing a bit more.

For those of you who've never done it, for whatever reason, but are physically able, I would urge you to give it a go - the Blood Service have been particularly looking for O- and B- blood. It's (assuming things are running smoothly) an hour out of your life three times a year. It doesn't hurt, and you can either watch them put the needle in or (be a wuss like me and) look away! And 20 minutes or so later, after they've made sure you're ok, not bleeding or faint, they make you a nice cup of tea with biscuits or crisps - I had a pack of three bourbon biscuits today, but I was tempted by the custard creams.

I also had a brief chat about the merits of Seabrook Prawn Cocktail crisps with a very cute guy who'd been on the chair next to me :-)

Oh yeah, and they've got these new chairs that tilt backwards so you're lying down - it's like being on a fairground ride.

Go on, I dare you!

x