Glasgow Medics Rugby Club tackle the need for donors head on.

The University of Glasgow Medics Rugby Club recently made their first group visit to the Glasgow Donor Centre, showing just how much difference a team effort can make when it comes to saving lives.

Led by club member Subhaashish Gurung, the team turned their commitment to medicine into action, with many players donating blood for the first time. 'Being medical students, we understand the importance and value that even just one pint of blood can have. With a few boys from the team already being blood donors, it felt only right to get as many of the team signed up and donating blood.'

Blood donation is vital for hospitals to continue providing treatment to many patients Subhaashish Gurung, The University of Glasgow Medics Rugby Club

Gurung explained that donating as a group helped boost morale and made the experience more encouraging for first-time donors. 'The atmosphere from the team was very lively and happy. As a few of the team have donated before, it helped to ease any nerves.'

'Blood donation is vital for hospitals to continue providing treatment to many patients. We're looking to make this a regular event and continue to get new members of the club signed up as blood donors. Donating blood is such an easy thing to do that will go on to help so many people. The 30 minutes from your day can go on to save someone's life.'

It was good to have support from people you know, and it encouraged more people to come and donate who maybe wouldn't have come on their own. James Westwood, The University of Glasgow Medics Rugby Club

For club member James Westwood, the experience was a powerful way to contribute beyond the rugby field. 'It's a good way to give back and potentially save lives. It was good to have support from people you know, and it encouraged more people to come and donate who maybe wouldn't have come on their own. The staff are really nice and keep a close eye to make sure everything goes smoothly. They are good at reducing any concerns you have.'

Fellow team member Olivia Errington echoed the positive experience. 'Seeing how useful it is in practice made me want to help. It made me less nervous seeing everyone else go first. It's fine to be nervous, but it doesn't take long at all and all the staff there are super friendly.'

The team hopes their visit will inspire other university clubs to consider group donations, and they're already planning their next visit.

• If you've been inspired by The University of Glasgow Medics Rugby Club sign up here.
• If you are part of a group who would like to give blood together contact us here.