WORLD Blood Donor Day is being hosted by the National Blood Service (NBS) of England and north Wales on Tuesday, June 14.

The day offers us the opportunity to thank voluntary blood donors across the country and around the world for their generous gift of blood that saves and improves people's lives.

I know the priceless contribution that donors make - my sister-in-law Vanessa required two blood transfusions while she was in the womb. Without it she wouldn't be with us today and neither would her children.

The need for blood is universal and many people know of someone who has either needed a blood transfusion or required blood for other procedures, such as cancer or treatment of blood diseases.

'Celebration gallery' events are taking place across the country highlighting real stories of blood recipients and their families, and their special message of thanks to blood donors.

Other activities are happening around the globe in a drive to increase blood donor numbers and communicate to people the need for lifesaving blood.

The NBS needs to collect 8,000 donations of blood every day across England and north Wales. Last year, the NBS collected more than 2.3 million donations from some 1.3 million donors. Many lives were improved or saved due to these donations. Currently, only 6 per cent of the eligible population are blood donors.

If you would like to become a blood donor, please call the National Donor Helpline 0845 7711711 or visit www.blood.co.uk

LAURENCE LLEWELYN-BOWEN