I just can't get enough of...giving blood

Ok so maybe 'I just can't get enough of giving blood' should be saved for Vampire Feeders Confidential, but we'd like to stress the importance of giving blood and tell you how you can donate in Manchester this week.

There could be a time in any of our lives when we may need to receive blood, but people don't often consider their responsibility to maintain this vital supply. The National Blood Service collects, tests, processes, stores and issues 2.1 million blood donations per year. It may sound a lot but it actually equates to only four per cent of the eligible population giving two or three times a year.

The National Blood Service keeps stock online of exactly how much blood it has at the moment. To view the stock levels click here.

The National Blood Service is coming to Hardman Square, Spinningfields this Friday 2 October to try to increase donor numbers by 5,000 this autumn. Appointments are available from 10am until 2.30pm. If you haven't given blood before, your appointment could take up to an hour.

Once there, you'll be asked to read a number of leaflets and fill in a donor health check form. If you are a new donor, you will also have a confidential discussion with the nurse. A tiny drop of blood will be taken from your fingertip to allow the nurse to check your haemoglobin levels and ensure that giving blood won't make you anaemic. All being well, your blood will then be taken.

Most people hardly feel anything and normally about 470ml is taken – just under a pint – which is quickly replaced by your body. Once you've given blood, you will have a short rest before going to the refreshment area for a drink and biscuits. You can then leave knowing you've just done something amazing that could save someone's life.

To book an appointment or to find out if you're eligible to give blood, call the Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 or visit The National Blood Service.