By Victoria Brenan

Last updated at 12:24, Thursday, 20 December 2012

Members of a Carlisle Scouts group have joined a campaign to recruit 100,000 new blood donors in 100 days.

Donor supporters are, from left, Mike Jamieson, Emma Goodman, Peter Lumsden, Ashley Wilson, James Wylie, James Brady and Ben Hodgkiss

The Reivers District Scouts got behind the drive and went to a special donation session at Harraby Community Centre.

Five of them gave blood for the first time and another three donated at existing donors to continue their contributions.

Ayers Explorer Scout leader and regular donor, Eddie Ward, came up with the idea when he read about the appeal.

“Our members are used to helping others, be it at events or raising money for charity,” he said. “Helping to save lives is surely the best anyone can do.”

Among the first-time donors was Explorer Scout, Peter Lumsden, 17, from Calthwaite.

He said: “I hadn’t realised that you could start giving blood at 17 and I was really pleased to find out that it didn’t hurt at all.”

Cumbrian Scout Network member Mike Jamieson, 21, from Carlisle, was also donating for the first time.

He said: “Only four per cent of people who can give blood actually do. I’d really encourage everyone who can to have a go.”

The NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is encouraging young people to become blood donors, after a dramatic decline in the number of 17-24 year-olds signing up.

Barbara Blanche, NHSBT’s lead donor relations manager for the area, said they were very grateful to the Scouts.

“We’d like more people in Cumbria to be inspired to give blood and save lives,” she said.

“We would especially welcome young people as there has been a sharp decline in this age range.”

For more information see www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.

First published at 12:20, Thursday, 20 December 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk