that's nearly an armful.

As a direct result from reading posts on this forum a couple of months ago I decided to register to give blood. Just got back from giving away my first armful.
Only reason I put it off for so long was... being 'a bit squeamish' is I suppose the best way of describing it. I don't mind needles, I don't mind the sight of blood, i can watch fake and real operations on TV. But I always got a bit 'shuddery' at the thought of giving blood. Don't know why, it was just something I was never comfortable thinking about, let alone doing.

So I thought 'stop being a big girl and give it a go'. And I did. And now wish I had started donating years ago..... before I was on heroin.... JOKE

And it was packed. About 60 people in the hall either donating or waiting while I was there. And there was a constant stream of people coming in.

So anyone else who has thought about it but never bothered, please do something about it. It IS important. It doesn't hurt and takes up no more than an hour of your time.

Now I am also going to register as an organ donor (again something that always made me shudder) and after that I guess I'll see about getting on the bone marrow donor register. Again all because of a few people on here being real world examples of why its such an important task.

The number of the nurses who thanked me tonight was amazing. I know the adverts on TV may be a bit corny about 'saving lives' but the staff were really genuinely grateful and everyone that I spoke to (after they found out it was my first time) asked what made me do it. And it made me partly proud to be talked about. But a little bit of me felt guilty that I'm in my mid 30's now and I could have been donating for years. Well I've started now and I'm not stopping.

Please, if you haven't done so, register to donate blood (and organs and bone marrow). I hope I've not sounded too 'preachy' I didn't mean to.

Steve.

Well done on the donation!

Hancocks 'blood donor' sketch has come flooding back to me, thank you!

I used to listen on an old record on an even older record player as a kid and loved it!

What's a record?

(actually one of my kids did actually ask that over Christmas. He's only 6.)

Thanks mate without the like of you I wouldn't be here. Its a privilege and I would give anything to be able to do it

Again Bone Marrow donor is the big one and not as bad as everyone thinks. I'm happy to talk anyone through it if you're worried.

Don't do what I did when I was a student. Gave blood in the afternoon, then went out, had a few pints and jumped around in the mosh pit to The Primitives.

I've got this strange craving for black pudding. Is that normal?

quote:

---

Originally posted by balidey
I've got this strange craving for black pudding. Is that normal?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by scudderfish
Don't do what I did when I was a student. Gave blood in the afternoon, then went out, had a few pints and jumped around in the mosh pit to The Primitives.

---

Well done that man.
I used to 'cos I'm O-ve and it's in demand but can't anymore because of the enzymes in my blood after a heart attack.
It was a great hoot watching the 'fainters' and you got tea and biccies.

Well done that man. It's a great shame more people that can give don't, I've given something over 30 times now & my wife a few more than me, all our 3 kids do including my youngest daughter who hates needles, has been slightly anaemic & hasn't been able to give on about 3 out of 5 attempts, but still keeps trying! I've always felt that anyone who gives should be allowed to drop 3 points & the fine off their licence! That might encourage a few more donors!