Culloden Academy pupils show the way on blood donation
Showing the older generation how it’s done a group of school pupils were among enthusiastic donors who turned out to give blood - in their case for the first time - recently.
The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) took over the hall at Culloden Barn Church to welcome new and existing donors from the surrounding community who rolled up their sleeves to help save and improve the lives of Scottish patients.
And among those who turned out for the session were a group of students from nearby Culloden Academy.
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“Wonderful…fantastic…proud” were just a few of the words used by them when asked how it felt to know their donations would be on a hospital shelf ready to help patients within 24 hours of their donation appointments.
Organiser of the schools group donation and attending on the day was Isla Mackinnon (17) who said: “After listening to a recent school talk, lots of us felt motivated to do our bit. I decided to pull together a list of names and details of anyone who was interested.
“I sent it over to the team at SNBTS who allocated time slots for us all to attend together. It felt a bit more light-hearted coming along together and we could give each other a bit of moral support at the same time.
‘The whole process was so quick and easy. The team are really friendly and put you at ease straight away.
“I’d say to anyone who’s never given blood before to just do it, don’t let anything hold you back. It feels great to know that we can all help.”
Fellow pupil Patrick Sheriden said: “My mum needed blood years ago and hearing the recent school talk brought it all home to me about how different things would have been if blood donors hadn’t been there for us when we needed them.
‘Everyone’s so friendly and it feels great to know you’re making a difference.
“It’s all been a really positive experience. You get to lie back and relax while you give your donation and there’s great snacks afterwards as well.”
Amy McIntosh (17) was another who had very personal reasons for donating.
“My mum depended on blood transfusions as part of treatment and to support her through a kidney transplant last September,” she said.
“She’s doing well now, and it feels great to know that I can give something back and do a good turn for someone else and their family members, knowing what it meant to us as a family when we needed help.”
Brand-new donors are always made very welcome at donation sessions across the Highlands and Moray, so even if you have no idea of your blood type, the team would love to see you.
Highland News and Media wants to bring 5000 people from across the Highlands and Moray in to give blood between now and Easter.
Join our campaign to give blood and save lives. Book an appointment to give blood at www.scotblood.co.uk, or call 0345 90 90 999 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm).
