The Welsh Blood Service is calling on more residents in Brecon and the surrounding areas to start giving blood and saving lives.
The Service organises the collection, testing, processing and distribution of blood and relies entirely on voluntary donors.
They need to collect 350 units of blood per day to supply our 20 Welsh hospitals with the life-saving source.
Anyone aged between 17 and 66, who weighs over 7st 12lbs (50kg), who is healthy and not subject to certain medical exclusions can volunteer to become a blood donor.
The Welsh Blood Service is next in Brecon at Brecon Leisure Centre on Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 July.
B&R reporter Luke Williams gave blood for the first time last week in Abergavenny.
Luke said: “I had never given blood before and I’ll be 25 next month - so I thought it’s about time I started. I signed up online and managed to book an appointment for the very next day.
“When I got there it was really straightforward and well-organised. Cathy, Michelle and the whole team looked after me and I was in and out within 45 minutes.”
Taking the blood typically takes around five to 10 minutes to complete.
They aim to take 475ml (just under a pint) with additional samples for testing.
The staff will keep a close eye on you throughout the process to make sure everything is running smoothly.
Luke said: “I felt completely at ease and was talked through the whole process as it went along.
“I had a slightly sore arm for 24 hours afterwards but apart from that I’ve been absolutely fine. I’ve done it once and I certainly won’t hesitate to donate again when I am able to.
Male donors must wait a minimum of 12 full weeks between each blood donation and can give up to 4 donations in a calendar year. Female donors must wait a minimum of 16 full weeks between each blood donation and can give up to 3 donations in a calendar year.
The blood collected is not just used for emergency operations or accident victims.
So many patients could not survive without blood transfusions, such as anyone having a kidney, liver or an organ transplant, as well as leukaemia and cancer patients and patients having cardiac operations.
Many premature babies also cannot survive without blood transfusions.
Luke added: “To think that such a seemingly small act could potentially save someone’s life is mind-blowing. Giving blood is so important and every donation counts.
“I know it’s an easy thing to put off and forget about it - because I did - so I would encourage anyone who is eligible to sign up right now and book an appointment.”
Visit https://wbs.wales/BrecRadExpJul to book a lifesaving donation.
If you would like to learn more about donating blood in Wales, please visit www.welsh-blood.org.uk