NHS Blood and Transplant is appealing to blood donors in Nottinghamshire to book festive appointments and donate blood on either Christmas Eve, Boxing Day or New Year’s Eve at the Nottingham Blood Donor Centre.

Sutton mum Lisa Ware is backing the campaign as she celebrates six years of family life thanks to blood she received on Christmas Eve.

Six years ago Lisa was left fighting for her life after the birth of her daughter, Ellie. Lisa had an emergency Caesarean-section and received 36 units of blood and blood products afterwards, which saved her life.

Lisa said: “We are so grateful to all those people that donate blood that played a part in saving my life. I never thought that it would be me that would need the help of strangers – you always believe it will be someone else.”

Ellie is now a happy, healthy little girl, enjoying school, hobbies and a great family life.

Lisa explains: “Having been given a second chance at life, I’ve made every day with my family and Ellie count. Ellie is thriving and doing well at school. She loves dance and gymnastics.

“As for me, after all we went through when Ellie was born, and following many complications since, I had to undergo a full hysterectomy in May last year. I’m fighting fit now, though, and am looking forward to many more happy Christmases with my family.”

It’s Ellie’s sixth birthday on Christmas Eve, so to celebrate the Ware family went to Lapland UK last week.

Together with mum, Lisa, and dad, Cam, Ellie made toys in the toy factory, decorated gingerbread with Mrs Claus, went ice skating and met Santa and his reindeers.

Lisa adds: “We’ve been fortunate to visit many places, but Lapland UK last week was by far one of our favourites. It was an amazing, magical experience from start to finish. I’d like to thank every single person who gives blood – you have helped to make all this possible.”

Christmas is not a time for the NHS to stop – patients need life-saving blood all year round. It’s vital that anyone who books to give blood this Christmas period sticks to their appointment. Each donation can save up to three lives.

A spokesman for NHS Blood and Transplant said: “We are especially in need of people to book on Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve.”

Thursday, December 26, from 8:50am to 4:20pm
Currently this session is only 22% full.

Tuesday, December 31, from 1:15pm to 3:45pm
Currently this session is only 22% full.

The donor centre is at Trinity Square, North Church Street, Nottingham NG1 4BR.

Call 0300 1232323 or visit www.blood.co.uk to book an appointment to donate.

All donors are asked to make appointments or to call ahead rather than walking in.