Becoming a donor

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Giving blood

There is no legal minimum age to become a blood donor, but the National Blood Service won't accept anyone under the age of 17.

Each time you donate blood, 475 ml (just under a pint) is collected. Don't worry, you'll still have plenty left to keep you going!

How do I give blood?
Search Give Blood for your nearest giving blood session.

Organ donation

Would you take a donated organ if you needed one? Nearly everyone would. But only around a third of us have joined the Organ Donor Register.

More than 10,000 people in the UK currently need a transplant. Of these three a day will die waiting as there aren't enough organs available. You can save up to 8 peoples lives with your organs by joining the Organ Donation Register. You can call 0300 123 23 23 or register online.

Visit their website to find out more: www.organdonation.nhs.uk

Donating stem cells

stem cells

Donate your stem cells by signing up to the register, and you could be a lifesaving match for someone with blood cancer.

If you’re between 16–30 and in good health, you can sign up to the Anthony Nolan register.

Whenever a patient with blood cancer or a blood disorder needs a lifesaving stem cell transplant, they search the register, looking for someone who’s a genetic match for that patient. If you’re a match, they'll be in touch, and will ask you to donate and save a life.

To register, call 0303 303 0303 or visit www.anthonynolan.org

Watch this video on YouTube to find out more about stem cell donation.

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Information and advice for young people in Suffolk

My health

Becoming a donor

Giving blood

Organ donation

Donating stem cells