Give blood before you go this summer

Every blood donation collected at blood donor session up and down the country has the lifesaving potential to help three local hospital patients at their greatest time of need.
With the summer holiday season fast approaching the National Blood Service (NBS) is urging holidaymakers to Give Before You Go'

Gareth Bell, Communications Officer for the NBS said ''It is vitally important people remember to put giving blood at the top of their holiday checklist as even a small drop in collections can cause our stocks to fall.

''Travel to some exotic locations, such as parts of Africa, for example, where malaria precautions are required, can mean a donor is unable to give for a period of 6 months- and for that reason we are asking people to step forward now''

Every day 7,000 donations are required across England and north Wales to ensure hospital blood banks remain healthy.
The demand for blood is constant as blood products only has a limited shelf life- just five days in some cases. The warmer summer months in the UK also add to the difficulties for the NBS as people 's attention move away from rolling up their sleeves to give. Mr Bell added, ''By giving blood you will be bringing new hope to a patient they otherwise may not have had and new donors are always needed. Please make every effort to give this summer, every donation really counts''
In most cases anyone aged between 17 and 60, who weigh over 7st 12lbs (50kg), in general good health, can give blood. Blood donors are asked to give every 16 weeks, that's just 3 times a year.

For further information and to book an appointment to give blood locally, contact the NBS on 0845 7 711 711 or log on to www.blood.co.uk. Appointments are recommended and reduce your waiting time.

SHERINGHAM LEVEL CROSSING A STEP CLOSER

North Norfolk Railway plc has been granted planning permission for the reinstatement of the link between the Poppy Line and the Bittern Line at Sheringham on an occasional use basis.

Project director Julian Birley commented: "This is great news not just for the Poppy Line, but for Sheringham, as we hope to run some steam charter trains from London which will bring extra visitors and business to the town."

Following the grant of planning permission, the Railway is now carrying out a detailed investigation of the utility services pipework and wiring under the site of the proposed crossing, and the scope of the necessary civil engineering.

A £1,800 prize raffle has been launched to raise funds for the work, with tickets on sale on the trains and at Poppy Line stations.

"Depending on the civil engineering work and its cost," said Birley, "the restored crossing could be in place before next season."