A new donor's story

Rebecca, a Health Care Assistant, gives blood for the first time in Dundee Blood Donor Centre.

Rebecca told us, ‘My friend Louise is a regular blood donor and has been trying to encourage me to come along and give blood for a good few years. She moved away but we’re still friends, and she gave blood the other day and told me how important it made her feel, that she was doing her part to help others. I started my position as a Health Care Assistant in the oncology ward at Ninewells Hospital in January this year. I see blood used every day in the ward, and never really thought about giving it until my friend Louise persuaded me to come along and give my first donation.

‘My mum is unable to give blood because of a condition that she has, and she thought that I wouldn’t be allowed to either, however I made an appointment.

‘I turned up and I didn’t feel nervous at all, there was no need to as the staff were all very friendly and the atmosphere in the Centre was very relaxed. The nurse carried out an interview with me and I was given the all clear to give my first donation. I’d been talking about with my colleagues all day.

‘Did you know only 3% of the Scottish population actually give blood? I was surprised to hear that - I thought it would be much higher, but I suppose it’s taken me a good few years to come along. Don’t wait as long as I did if you’ve never given before, there’s nothing to it, just do it.’

• To sign up as a blood donor call 0345 90 90 999 or fill out our online form