NHS Blood and Transplant is calling on 100,000 new volunteers to show their support in a way that really matters, by registering to become a blood donor between now and the end of October.

While blood stocks are currently good, new donors are crucial to replace people who don’t donate any more and will help ensure there are the correct type and number of donors to provide the right mix of blood to match patient need in future.

Currently, more than 6,000 donations are required each day to treat patients across the country and new donors will help ensure that the NHS can continue to provide blood to people in England whenever they need it.

NHS Blood and Transplant has unveiled a new campaign backed by Jonny Wilkinson, Martin Johnson, Ben Kay, Jason Leonard, Maggie Alphonsi and Matt Dawson now this year’s Rugby World Cup has begun in earnest.

A red rose emblem, drained of its colour will feature as a campaign totaliser on the blood.co.uk website. A tiny particle of red in the rose will be restored with every new donor registering before the tournament’s final game on October 31.

Jon Latham, assistant director at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “We’re delighted that some England rugby legends have bled for England by making their first blood donations and we really hope they have inspired people in Hampshire who’ve never donated before to register to join them.

“Giving blood is an amazing thing to do and saves lives. Please go to blood.co.uk to find out if you can donate, register as a donor and book an appointment. Giving blood is simple and easy to do and will only take about an hour of your time.”

For more details, visit blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.