IF you are rushed into hospital following a car crash, lying on an operating table and something goes wrong, or you are diagnosed with cancer, the last thing you'll worry about is whether there is enough blood to help keep you alive.
But this is something we should all be worrying about.
Giving blood undoubtedly saves lives, but the number of donors is dropping off sharply.
In 2012, only 221 17-to-24-year-olds registered to give blood in Reigate and Banstead, 100 fewer than in 2009.
Tandridge is faring a little better, with 65 fewer registrations in 2012 compared to the year before.
So we are calling on East Surrey's residents to help turn the tide, by searching for 100 new blood donors in the next 100 days.
John Canning, NHS Blood and Transplant's lead donor relations manager, said: "The number of young people donating has been falling steadily for the last decade, but in 2012 there was an even sharper drop which we needed to urgently address.
"So far our efforts have proved a success, but we are still in need of more people to come forward, which is why we are pleased to be working with the Surrey Mirror in order to protect future blood stocks."
Every year 225,000 new donors are needed nationwide to replace those who drop out of the system.
But last year only 9,208 of East Surrey's 220,833 residents made a donation – about 4 per cent of the population.
Banstead resident Kim Dobson, 45, was saved by blood donors after hitting complications with cancer treatment 15 years ago.
"I was having chemotherapy and it was doing its job," she told the Mirror.
"But half way through it knocked me for six and I needed a transfusion to keep going.
"Most people just think of accidents and hospital survival when they talk about people needing blood.
"Not everyone knows it is used in cancer treatment and that sort of thing."
The number of teenagers signing up to give blood is more promising.
Last year 33 17-to-18-year-olds signed up in Tandridge, the same as in 2011, while Reigate and Banstead actually saw a slight rise in that age bracket.
The 43 17-to-18-year-olds who registered in 2012 was up from 38 in 2011.
"We still need hundreds more people to follow this example and pledge to roll your sleeves up," Mr Canning said. Where and when you can give blood:
- Reigate Baptist Church, Sycamore Walk, Reigate: Tomorrow, Thursday January 17;
- St John's Ambulance Hall, Massetts Road, Horley: January 30;
- ASDA, Reigate Road, Burgh Heath: February 15;
- Oxted School, Bluehouse Lane, Oxted: February 20; and
- Holy Trinity Church, Carlton Road, Redhill: February 26
To join our campaign go along to one of the blood donor sessions listed, or for details on other ways to donate, visit www.blood.co.uk
If you are going to give blood – as a frequent or new donor – let us know on 01737 783869 or e-mail editor@surreymirror.co.uk
