The NHS has launched an urgent plea to the public, warning there are just 48 hours left to save a life this year. Health chiefs are appealing for people to donate blood while off work over the festive period, as national stocks run dangerously low.
Critical Shortage in Final Hours of 2025
NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) has revealed a critical need to fill 2,755 available appointments at major donor centres today and tomorrow, before the start of 2026. The service typically issues more blood to hospitals than it collects over Christmas, leading to a seasonal dip in supplies.
Daniel Cooper, NHSBT Assistant Director for Blood Donation Operations, stated: "Right now, we still have over 2,700 appointments available to fill at our major town and city centre donor centres between now and New Year’s Eve, with a particular need for more B negative, O negative and Ro donors."
One Donation, Three Lives Saved
A single blood donation can save or improve the lives of up to three people. This is because its components—red cells, plasma, and platelets—can be separated and used for different patients. Plasma and platelets are vital for treating conditions like cancer and immune disorders.
The appeal comes as the NHS faces the mammoth task of filling around 50,000 blood donation slots in January to restock supplies. Most available appointments before the New Year are at city-centre venues in locations including:
- London
- Bristol
- Manchester
- Newcastle
- Birmingham
- Leeds
Inspiring Stories from Lifelong 'Super Donors'
The new appeal follows NHSBT highlighting the contributions of 10 dedicated "super donors" who have given blood, plasma, platelets, and stem cells over the past two decades.
Andy Stowe, a 64-year-old cycling officer from Birmingham, began donating as a teenager. He donated stem cells in 2013 and now gives plasma every two weeks. "Being able to donate is such an honour," he said. "It's something I have always loved to do and will continue to do as long as I am able."
Dr Christopher Black, a 31-year-old anaesthetist from Leicester, made his first donation as a medical student. He witnesses the life-saving impact daily: "At work, I see the reality of how blood can bring people back to life... The fact that I can pick up the phone, ask for blood and have it delivered right away can only happen through the work of hundreds of people and one particularly special person - the donor."
NHSBT is urging anyone who cannot secure an immediate slot to book an appointment for early 2026, emphasising that blood is always needed. To become a donor, you can register online via the NHS Give Blood website, download the NHS Give Blood app, or call 0300 123 23 23.
