From drive time to blood drive

He’s the DJ who keeps commuters entertained during rush hour.

But Clyde 1 presenter Steven Mill found that going on a blood drive was far better than sitting in traffic.

Glasgow Donor Centre is now just a short walk from Clyde 1’s shiny new city centre studios, and like all good neighbours, Steven popped in to see if we wanted anything.

An hour later, he’d given blood and helped save or improve up to three lives.

Steven said: “I’ve just given blood at the Glasgow Donor Centre in Nelson Mandela Place, right in the city centre. It takes less than an hour, snacks included, so you could head along during a break or after work.

‘Appointments are available throughout the week, including evening sessions from Tuesday to Thursday and at weekends, making it easier than ever to fit a donation around work and everyday life.

‘It’s an hour that could change lives.

‘Every blood donation can save or improve up to three lives, helping patients receiving cancer treatment, undergoing surgery, giving birth or being treated in emergencies across Scotland.’

Steven hopes more people will consider making blood donation part of their normal routine.

He added: ‘Around 40,000 people in Glasgow are registered to give blood, but only about a quarter have donated in the past year.

‘At the same time, demand remains high. The Queen Elizabeth University Hospital alone can require up to 350 donations every week to help provide vital treatment for patients.

‘Donating blood is one of the simplest ways to make a difference.’

• Book in to give blood online – alternatively, call us on 0345 90 90 999 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)

DJ’s Top Ten chart to give blood

At Number 10… Glasgow needs more donors

• Around 40,000 people in Glasgow are registered to give blood, but only about a quarter have donated in the last year.

At Number 9… Fewer than 3% give blood regularly

• Less than 3% of Scotland’s eligible population are active blood donors.

At Number 8… It couldn’t be more central

• Glasgow Donor Centre is on Nelson Mandela Place, less than a minute from Buchanan Street Subway and just a short walk from Queen Street Station, George Square and Clyde 1.

At Number 7… Open when you need it

• With evening opening Tuesday to Thursday until 7pm and weekend sessions too, there’s no need to take time off work.

At Number 6… It takes less than an hour

• You can donate on your lunch break and still have time for the complimentary snacks afterwards.

At Number 5… Bring the whole crew

• Group bookings are welcome, making blood donation a great activity for colleagues, friends or teammates.

At Number 4… Same-day appointments are available

• Found a spare hour in your diary? You can now book a same-day appointment at Glasgow Donor Centre.

At Number 3… The Queen Elizabeth Hospital relies on donors

• Scotland’s biggest hospital can need up to 350 blood donations every week to help care for patients.

At Number 2… Every appointment matters

• Just last week, 60 appointments at Glasgow Donor Centre went unfilled. Every empty chair is a missed opportunity to save or improve lives.

And at Number 1… One donation can save or improve up to three lives

• Blood is used every day for surgery, cancer treatment, childbirth, premature babies and emergency care. That hour in the donor chair could make a life-changing difference to someone you’ve never met.