Hundreds of readers of the Lanarkshire Extra have joined a blood campaign after one of the reporters led by example.

Leona Milven (pictured below) gave blood for the first time – and recorded the experience in the pages of the Extra, to help the Have a Heart campaign reach its target of 3,000 pints.

She officially launched the campaign – and then returned to give a second pint to bring the event to a close.

She said: “I was very nervous giving the first pint but it was for a worthy cause.

“Going back for the second time was easy and I would urge as many people as possible, especially within our parent company Archant, who have never donated a pint, to get along and give some blood – it could help save a life.”

The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service says that contributions during the campaign were up by ten per cent.

The Extra hit – and passed – its target, reaching 3,220 donations, 257 more than the same time last year.

Editor Martin Clark said: “We were delighted to become involved in such an important campaign and the response from our readers was fantastic.

“We can only hope that those who attended will continue to support the work of the Blood Transfusion Service – you never know when you may rely on donors to save your life.”

Back to the campaigns index

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail [email protected]