BLOOD donors across Mold have helped to save over 300 lives - or over 600 babies - by giving just 30-minutes out of their day.

Mayor of Mold Councillor Sarah Taylor attended her first blood donation session in over 20 years last week at Theatr Clwyd.

Councillor Taylor said: “I’ve not given blood for over 20 years, so I was a bit apprehensive when I arrived. But I was soon put at ease by the excellent, friendly team from the Welsh Blood Service.

“The whole process was quick and easy, firstly I was asked to complete the short questionnaire to confirm my eligibility and then given a pint of juice (or water) to drink, after which it was a quick finger prick to check my iron levels and then onto the donation chair.

“The team are very adept at taking blood and it really was quite painless and lovely to chat to them throughout. After my donation was taken, I headed over for another drink and a biscuit, after which I was free to go home.

“All in all, it took just 30 mins out of my day and I will definitely be back to donate in 16-weeks’ time.”

Welsh Blood Service confirm that female donors must wait 16 weeks and male donors 12 weeks between each blood donation, full information can be found at https://www.welsh-blood.org.uk/

Councillor Taylor added: “Welsh Blood Service need to collect over 350 donations of blood every day and demand has risen steadily over the last 10 years as medical techniques become evermore sophisticated. I would urge all our residents, if you can, please do take the time to donation, it really does save lives.”

Debbie Day Welsh Blood Donor Engagement Coordinator confirmed that from July’s blood donation sessions held at Theatr Clwyd there were 115 Donors who attended of which 15 were brand new donors.

Mold donors have saved 309 lives or 618 babies by giving blood locally recently.

Appointment bookings for August sessions are currently lower than The Welsh Blood Service would like them to be, so if you would like to donate in August at Theatr Clwyd, booking is now open for two sessions which will be held on the 19th and 20th August. To book, go to https://wbs.wales/MoldTown

Jo Lane Mold Town Council’s Bailey Hill Officer was also at the session donating, having being encouraged to donate for the first 18 months ago during ex Mayor Tim Maunders term as Mayor.

Jo said: “My first blood donation was with ex-Mayor of Mold Cllr Tim Maunders about 18 months ago.

“I have always wanted to donate blood, as I am aware I have a sought after blood type. But I was nervous as I did not know what was involved and have never been particular fussed on needles! Within 10 minutes of my first visit I quickly realised that I had nothing to be nervous about. The staff are very skilled in what they do and so grateful to everyone who attends to make a donation.

"This is my fourth donation as I now make every effort to attend when there is a session in the area, and will continue to do so for as long as I can.”

Jane Evans Mold Town Council Events and Community Engagement Officer added: “I used to donate regularly about 30 years ago when my workplace at the time arranged a mini bus to take employees to donation sessions but once I left the company I stopped donating for one reason or another.

“I started donating regularly again around six years ago, I have Hemochromatosis (iron overload disorder) and once I got my condition under control, I started to donate again, as donating a pint of blood every four months helps keep my iron levels down.

“Not only does donating help me, but it also helps save lives to those that need. You never know when you or a loved one will be in need of donated blood so I would encourage everyone to donate they can, it really is quite simple and relatively painless.”