Spring into action for Mother’s Day and make a difference in Cornwall this March, by giving blood, says NHS Blood and Transplant.

As Mother’s Day approaches, NHS Blood and Transplant is asking residents to think about mothers and children whose lives have been saved by blood donations.

A spokesman said: "While many people think that blood is used mainly for accident and emergency procedures, donated blood is vital for a wide variety of life-saving procedures. A blood transfusion can help to save the life of a new mother or be used during pregnancy to help treat both the mother and the baby.

"Premature babies may need a blood transfusion as well, as they may not make enough new red cells to replace the blood that is taken for essential testing.

Sessions arranged include:

March 2, Memorial Hall, Wheal Leisure Close, Perranporth, March 3, Carrick Sports + Recreation Ct, Carew Road, Truro

March 10, Community Centre, Pengelly Way, Threemilestone

March 13, Elim Church, Dolcoath Drive, Camborne

March 16/17, Methodist Hall, Killigrew St, The Moor Falmouth 

March 30 Community School, 3 High Lanes, Hayle 

Karen Healy from NHS Blood and Transplant said: “During March we are encouraging people to think about other mothers and families in addition to their own. One blood donation can help up to three adults or six babies, so donors really can make a huge difference each time they attend a session.

“Our dedicated blood donors have helped us to keep blood stocks at a healthy level over the winter months and we would like to thank them for this. However, the need for blood never stops and more than 6,000 blood donations needed by hospitals in England and North Wales every day, I would encourage both new and returning donors to make a date to roll up their sleeve and donate.

“Giving blood doesn’t take too long. It should take less than an hour from arriving at your appointment time to completing your donation. So make the time to give blood, you never know whose life you could save.”

Every blood donation is vital, but NHS Blood and Transplant particularly needs to ensure supplies of the universal blood group O Rh Negative which is often in short supply as demand is so great. We also need to ensure supplies of the rarer blood groups A Rh Negative, B Rh Negative and AB Rh Negative as these are also vulnerable to shortfall.

In general, as long as you are fit and healthy, weigh over 7 stone 12 lbs (50kg) and are aged between 17 and 66 (up to 70 if you have given blood before) you should be able to give blood. If you are over 70, you need to have given blood in the last two years to continue donating.

To book an appointment to donate visit www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23 to find your nearest session.

It is also easy to book through mobile apps for Windows, Android and Apple devices. To download the app, search 'NHSGiveBlood' in the app store.