Why we give blood together - Stevie and Heather

Stevie (51) started giving blood after his son was involved in a serious car accident; his daughter Heather (32) joined him when she started university. They both give blood in Airdrie, Lanarkshire.

Stevie's story

'My son was in a car crash in 2002 and needed major surgery to remove a blood clot from his brain.  Thankfully, he made an amazing recovery - in fact, he was back playing football within three months.  I'd always seen the adverts for giving blood on TV and although my son didn't need a blood transfusion it made me stop and think about other families who were going through similar experiences to ours, but their loved ones needed blood to save their lives.

I always think to myself while giving my donation that in the very near future my blood is going to save or improve someone's life. I'll always carry it with me deep down that I've been able to help them when they needed it most Stevie McLaughlin

'My boy was fit and well again thanks to the doctors and nurses that helped to save his life, so that's when I decided it was time I gave something back.  I realised a financial gift wouldn’t necessarily make a difference, but what could be more precious to someone out there in need than a pint of my blood?

'My daughter, Heather started to come along with me too and it’s become our family time together.  We go along to our local blood donor session in Airdrie whenever it’s there and we get to meet some really lovely people.  The nurses are great and the teacakes are brilliant.

'Giving blood is such a worthwhile cause.  I’d say to anyone thinking of giving blood for the first time to just go for it.  It only takes 30 mins to an hour of your time every few months and seriously, what's an hour of your life to save a life?

'I always think to myself while giving my donation that in the very near future my blood is going to save or improve someone's life.  I'll never get the chance to meet the people whose lives I've changed, but I'll always carry it with me deep down that I've been able to help them when they needed it most.'

Heather's story

'Dad and I don’t get to spend as much time together as we'd like these days, so going along to give blood has become our special thing that we do together.  It's our time to catch up while giving something back.

'Dad has been going along to give blood for as long as I can remember, and when I was a student, I started to realise how important it was.  I'll always remember seeing that advert on TV years ago that said that just three teaspoons of blood could save a baby's life. That message was so powerful.

'I became a blood donor while I was still at Uni.  Seeing my Dad give blood for all those years, I knew how easy it was.  I'd say to anyone thinking about giving blood for the first time, just do it.  There’s absolutely nothing to be scared of.  It’s so easy to do and you get free tea and biscuits afterwards - what more could you want?  Not only that but you'll get half an hour of peace and quiet.  Having two young kids and a busy lifestyle I know just how precious that is.'

What can I do?

• We're always looking for new blood donors. If you're a regular blood donor, why not bring a friend along to the next session you go to?
• If you've never given blood before, why not come with a friend? To find a session near you, look up our online session searcher or phone us on 0345 90 90 999.