YOUNGER people are being urged to start saving lives after latest figures reveal that almost half of Hampshire’s blood donors are over 45.

The high proportion of older donors has sparked concern, prompting NHS Blood and Transplant to embark on a mission to recruit younger donors to give the gift of life.

So as part of National Blood Week, which starts today, young people are being encouraged to find out more about blood donation in the hope that greater knowledge will spark a surge in donors signing up.

Many do not realise that blood is not just used in accidents and emergencies and that new donors are always needed to replace those who can no longer donate.

Geraldine Parker, from NHS Blood and Transplant Hampshire, said: “We value all of our existing donors, but want to build up our donor base to maintain a steady supply of blood, which has a short shelf life, to help save and improve patient lives.

“In the past 12 months, a total of 13,105 people from Hampshire signed up to donate blood, which is fantastic.

"We want to build on this to ensure we always have the right number of donors of the different blood groups to meet patient needs.

“For this year’s National Blood Week, we hope the people of Hampshire will choose to sign up or come back and give blood to help save a life.”

Anyone aged between 17 and 65, weighing more than 7st 12lb and in general good health, could potentially start saving lives.

Call 0300 123 23 23 to book an appointment.