We need people just like you

Our new campaign features real donors from around the country. Read how they feel about giving blood - and how they felt about starring in the ad.

Virginia, Glasgow

'I personally believe that everyone who can donate blood should do so. It is such a rewarding feeling, knowing you have made an impact in someone’s life. At first, I was a bit worried, but once you’re there the staff are amazing and the process is pain free.

'I will definitely go back and donate more blood once my three months are over. I am so grateful for the opportunity of being involved in the TV ad. I really had lots of fun and it is for such a good cause.

'I can't thank you enough. I'm looking forward to my next donation already.'

Aaron, Edinburgh

'The idea of being part of the give blood advert sounded really exciting. When I spoke to the rest of the Edinburgh University gymnastics committee we all agreed it was definitely would be something we’re interested in getting involved with. We love the campaign idea.

'Being a donor, I have been able to get my friends from my uni gymnastics group to give blood at Edinburgh Donor Centre and we are so pleased that we have been able to help save lives. Donating is quick and painless and if I can take an hour of my day and help someone else then it really is worth it.

'I was thrilled to take part in the ad because I am optimistic that the representation will motivate other young people, particularly younger men, to start donating and hopefully continue to do so for the rest of their lives. We all have it in us to save lives.'

Anna, Edinburgh

'Being part of the ad I hope that it does inspire more people to give blood and I am glad to be part of such a positive message.'

Laura, Dundee

'It’s such a good feeling to be a blood donor. The process is not scary or sore and it’s quick, so you can do so much good in a short while. We were so proud to be given the opportunity of being involved in the TV ad - slightly embarrassed, but we had lots of fun and it’s for such a good cause.' 

Brian, Dundee

'For me, being one of the first gay men in Scotland to be able to give blood following the FAIR review, under the same screening and assessment process as everyone else, has been an immense privilege. The staff are incredible, the process is straightforward, and we’ll both be booking our next appointment in September.

'If we can encourage others to give blood then that’s great. It’s a strange feeling to know that your face will be going on the posters, but if we can encourage others to sign up and give blood our job is done.'

Nayan, Glasgow

'It feels so good to help mankind by doing such a noble thing. Blood donation is a small act of kindness that creates great and big wonders. If we can, we must donate blood because you never know how helpful it might be to someone.

'It is such a great pleasure to be a part of such a great cause, and we have seen the results as people are coming forward to donate blood.'

Abhijeet, Glasgow

'It gives a sense of satisfaction that somehow, somewhere, someone in need gets life-saving help - a pint of blood towards the purpose of serving humanity and showing why people really make Glasgow.

'Every attempt to encourage people to donate has high regards in my mind anyway, but the atmosphere at the shoot was fantastic, and we were very well looked after. The diversity was great at the shoot as well.'

Mac, Edinburgh

'Being a blood donor is a big honour and achievement for me. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, being able to donate blood as a gay man is a big thing because I wasn't able to do it before.

'I am proud and happy to be part of the new TV ad because it promotes equality, diversity and inclusivity. I believe it is important to promote these values specifically to the younger generation. Having the opportunity to be a part of a campaign that promotes these values makes me proud.'

Steph, Edinburgh

'I very much enjoyed being part of the TV ad. I was proud to represent the lgbt+ community, and we’d like to make more people aware of the 2021 FAIR changes to donor selection that make giving blood more inclusive in my community. I’d encourage everyone to register if they can.

Martha, Edinburgh

'To be a blood donor is rewarding. I feel I am part of the society that encourages unity and inclusivity in moving forward to the betterment of our future. I am proud to be part of this campaign and happy that we are making improvements in inclusivity to our community.

Jake, Aberdeen

'Donating is quick and painless and if I can take an hour of my day and help someone else then it really is worth it. I was delighted to be part of the campaign.

'To me, it's important to spread the word and raise awareness that we all have it in us to save lives.'

Jill, Perth

'It feels very rewarding being a blood donor. You feel you are helping in a very simple way potentially save someone's life. As a nurse I know how important blood products are and how regularly they are used.'

Gary, Perth

'It made me very proud to be involved in the advert. I love working for the NHS and being part of a large team all working together for the greater good of the patient.'

• If you would like to give blood, please - make an appointment. You can do this online or by calling 0345 90 90 999 (Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm)