CWM TAF Health Board’s deputy medical director has made an emotional plea for more people to donate blood.

In a video message, Dr Richard Quirke explained how a member of his family has had regular blood transfusions as part of his ongoing cancer treatment.

The short film, which is broadcast on Cwm Taf Health Board’s YouTube channel, will also be used to promote blood donation among students attending Scottish universities – a recruitment drive masterminded by Dr Quirke’s nephew Eion Greensmyth.

Dr Quirke, a GP, said: “A close member of my family has required regular, sometimes weekly, blood transfusions, particularly over the last 12 months because he is suffering from a blood cancer.

“This has made me even more aware of the importance of the blood transfusion services throughout the UK because there’s no doubt that without their services he would not be with us today.”

He also appeals for more people to sign up as potential bone marrow donors, explaining just 30% of stem cell transplants – a form of therapy for some blood cancers, such as leukaemia – come from a patient’s close family.

“Thank you for giving blood,” Dr Quirke added. “You never know when you, a close friend or member of your family will require blood.”

Dr Geoff Poole, director of the Welsh Blood Service said: “We’d like to thank Dr Quirke for his message of support to encourage more blood donors to come forward and donate. We are 100% reliant on the generosity of volunteers to enable us to supply our Welsh hospitals with whatever blood products they require.”

For more information about donating blood contact the Welsh Blood Service on 0800 25 22 66 or visit www.welsh-blood.org.uk

The video can be viewed at http://youtu.be/L64UuCx03CY

http://www.welsh-blood.org.uk/giving-blood/where-to-donate/locations