NHS Blood and Transplant is urging people in Farnham to give blood at the Maltings next month and help ensure vital supplies of blood are available for the patients that need them.

Two blood donor sessions will take place at the Maltings on Monday, August 17, from 1pm to 3.30pm and from 4.30pm to 7pm. Book an appointment online at www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.

Some blood group stocks can dip in the summer and with red blood cells only having a shelf life of 35 days and platelets a shelf life of five days, blood cannot be stockpiled.

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.

It also needs 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.

Michelle Laserna, senior marketing co-ordinator at NHS Blood and Transplant said: “We realise that when the schools break for summer that there are holidays and days out planned and it can be easy to put off giving blood.

“We’re asking you try to keep your appointment if at all possible but if you can’t, then please let us know by calling 0300 123 23 23 so that your appointment can be offered to someone else.”

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.

Further blood donor sessions will take place at Farnham Maltings on Monday, September 14. For more information visit the website www.blood.co.uk.