Highland Hockey’s life-saving legacy sparks drive for team blood donations

The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) is proud to announce a new collaboration with Scottish Masters Hockey, inspired by the winning efforts of Highland Hockey Club in Inverness.

Their grassroots drive has already scored big, saving or improving the lives of at least 170 patients. Now, the campaign is going national, with Scottish Masters Hockey sending out a toolkit to all Masters teams across Scotland to help them get on the front foot with booking appointments. Team goalie and Highland News Group Give Blood Save Lives campaign figurehead Kev Cummings encourages other Masters teams to follow suit.

As an organisation rooted in teamwork and community spirit, we wholeheartedly support SNBTS. Their efforts save lives every day, and we encourage everyone in Scotland to join us in recognising and supporting this essential service. Lee Edmonds-Ward, President Scottish Masters Hockey

Kev says, 'We started with a simple idea - to give back to our community. It's incredible to see how far it’s come. I'd urge anyone who can to book an appointment and make a difference this winter.'

Lee Edmonds-Ward, President of Scottish Masters Hockey, said: 'We are proud to support the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service in their life-saving mission. Their dedication ensures that communities across Scotland receive the care they need, and we stand alongside them in championing this vital work. 

'As an organisation rooted in teamwork and community spirit, Scottish Masters Hockey wholeheartedly supports the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service. Their efforts save lives every day, and we encourage everyone in Scotland to join us in recognising and supporting this essential service.'

With winter fast approaching, SNBTS is urgently calling on donors to book appointments before Hogmanay to help keep Scotland’s blood stocks match-fit through the festive season. Blood has a shelf life of just 35 days, and with demand rising and recent shortages in Group A, Group O and Group B Negative, every donation is vital.

Giving blood with teammates or friends turns a life-saving act into a shared experience - a winning tactic that helps us bring in donors in the run-up to Christmas and beyond. Dr Sylvia Armstrong-Fisher

'The support shown by Highland Hockey Club has been immense,' said Dr Sylvia Armstrong Fisher of SNBTS. 'What’s so powerful about their approach is that it's sociable, it's supportive, and you know exactly how much your team is doing for others.'

'Giving blood with teammates or friends turns a life-saving act into a shared experience - a winning tactic that helps us bring in donors in the run-up to Christmas and beyond.'

SNBTS is now working with Scottish Masters Hockey to support the scheme across the country and encourage other sports clubs to do the same.

Dr Armstrong-Fisher continued, 'Whether you’re part of a team, a committee, or just a group of friends, booking a group donation is a meaningful way to give back this festive season.'

• Appointments are open across Scotland from now until new year 2026 - find a session near you
• Find out about making a group booking - with colleagues, teams or just a group of friends
• Make an appointment online, or give us a ring at 0345 90 90 999 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)