DEBBIE Cuskern went into labour in May 2001. A heart monitor revealed that her baby, Katelin, had a very slow heartbeat.
Katelin's heartbeat was lost shortly before delivery. She needed to be resuscitated immediately after she was delivered and after 10 minutes she was breathing again. Tests instantly revealed that Katelin only had 1/3 of the normal blood volume.
Katelin was rushed into the High Dependency Unit and needed an urgent blood transfusion. Katelin is now a healthy five month old baby and looking forward to her first Christmas. Real stories like this highlight the important role of the National Blood Service (NBS) across the country.
I have given blood for years and I am delighted to support the National Blood Service's new year long campaign, "It doesn't matter how you get there, please get there!" to encourage people to get to their nearest blood centre any way they can and give blood. It's quick and painless, to find your nearest blood donor centre call the National Donor Helpline on 0845 7 711 711 or visit www.blood.co.uk. Only 6% of the population are active blood donors, we need your support.
ANNEKA RICE.
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