THE National Blood Service is asking people to think about giving the best possible present to a patient in need this Christmas by giving blood.

The service claims Christmas is a challenging time for blood collection as blood stocks traditionally fall by about ten per cent.

The demands of Christmas make it difficult for many people to find the time to give blood.

In addition many regular blood donors fall unwell with winter colds and flu preventing them from donating while they are ill, and the cold weather has an impact on the number of blood donors attending sessions.

Rebecca Khan, communications officer for Hertfordshire NBS, said: "The festive season is a difficult time for us as many of our regular blood donors are busy preparing for Christmas or find themselves unwell with colds and flu.

"Because of this we need people who can donate to come forward and help us to keep blood stocks healthy over Christmas."

Last year, on Christmas Eve alone, the NBS had to issue more than 800 units of platelets to hospitals throughout England and North Wales.

Mrs Khan said: "Hospitals in Hertfordshire use 750 units of blood every single week and this doesn't change over the holidays.

"Christmas is about giving so please think of those in hospital over Christmas who will need blood and blood products. Giving blood only takes about an hour in all but by doing so you could be giving someone the gift of life."

The National Blood Service (NBS) is asking residents of Hertfordshire to make time to donate blood this Christmas.

A session will be held on Tuesday, December 5, at the St Albans Quality Hotel (Galleon Suite), 232 - 236 London Road, St Albans. Times are 9.30am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 4.30pm.

A session is also taking place at the same venue on Sunday, December 31, from 9.30am to 2.30pm.

Another session will be held on Wednesday, December 20, at Harpenden Public Halls, Eric Morecambe Hall, in Southdown Road, Harpenden, from 9.15am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 4.15pm.

Appointments for the above sessions should be made wherever possible.

To be potentially able to give blood you should be aged between 17 and 59 - you can give blood on your 60th birthday - weigh more than 7st 12lbs (50kg) and be in good general health.

l For further information or to book an appointment in advance contact the National Help Line on 0845 7 711 711 or visit www.blood.co.uk