Inverness Donor Centre welcomes Black Watch soldiers and supporters
In a highly successful mission, members and dependants of the Black Watch 3rd Battalion joined forces to give blood together last week.
“There’s power in numbers and knowing that together we’ve potentially saved or improved 21 lives in just under a couple of hours really emphasises what people can do when they get together,” Officer Class Two Vicky Armstrong said.
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“Giving blood is something I’ve always wanted to do but I’ve found myself making excuses and letting life get in the way.
“I knew that if I organised for a group of us to get together and come along, I couldn’t put it off any more.”
And she added: “The whole process was really straightforward. I just sent out an email and set up a group chat. Before I knew it there were seven of us that could come along on the same day and there are more waiting in the wings for the next session that we’re planning at the end of April.
“It was all easy to arrange. I just got in touch with the team at Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) and they helped to find a suitable date and time. That’s all there was to it!
“Seeing the group come together today has been really rewarding.
“It’s all been so easy to do but we know that our donations are collectively going to make a huge difference to a lot of patients across Scotland, so it’s another way of helping people and doing your bit.”
Even more importantly than their first donation session in Inverness she continued: “We’re already looking forward to organising the next visit to the donor centre.”
Also donating at Inverness Donor Centre on the same day was Alan Deeth, banking his 100th donation.
“I’d say to anyone who’s never given blood before or anyone who’s never done it before to not hesitate - to just do it,” he said.
“There’s absolutely nothing to fear, it’s all straightforward and you even get a snack afterwards.
“It’s such a worthy cause and you just never know when you could be in the position that you could need some help yourself.”
He continued: “I started giving blood with my wife in Tain some years ago and I’ve since recruited my son who’s also become a regular donor.
“My goal was to hit 100 donations, and I feel so proud that I’ve achieved that, but I’ll keep on going and give as much as I can.
“We all hear of so many stories when people rely on blood to help them and if you’d expect it for yourself then, in my mind, you should really consider doing it for others.”
Highland News and Media wants to bring 5000 people from the Highlands and Moray in to give blood between now and Easter.
Join our campaign to give blood and save lives. Book an appointment to give blood at www.scotblood.co.uk, or call 0345 90 90 999 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm).
