BLOOD Donors in Trafford are being urged to make and keep appointments to help make sure hospitals have the stocks they need to treat patients this winter.

The demand for life saving blood and platelets continues 365 days a year and some people in Trafford will spend part of their festive season seriously ill and in need of blood transfusions.

But bad weather and busy schedules mean donations are expected to drop significantly.

Colds and winter bugs will also temporarily rule many people out of being able to donate but hospitals will still rely on around 6,000 units of blood a day for patients.

Amanda Eccles, Senior Marketing Coordinator at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “If you can make and keep an appointment this December you will be doing an incredibly important thing – helping us to save and improve lives at a time when patients need every donor.

“Please make a date to donate now. Each blood donation you make can save or improve the lives of up to three people and platelet donors can help three adults or 12 children each time they donate.”

Make and keep your appointment to donate by calling the donor line on 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk.