The NHS has called on people to give blood while they’re off work saying they have 48 hours to save a life this year.

Blood stocks typically run low over the festive period but health leaders are calling for people to use their time off to give a life changing - and potentially life saving - gift. NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) today issues an appeal in the Mirror to fill 2,755 available slots at major blood donation centres today and tomorrow before the start of 2026.

Daniel Cooper, NHSBT Assistant Director for Blood Donation Operations, said: “Right now, we still have over 2,700 appointments available to fill at our major town and city centre donor centres between now and New Year ’s Eve, with a particular need for more B negative, O negative and Ro donors.

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“We call on all Mirror readers who live close to one of our centres, to come forward and help us fill these final life-saving slots of the year.

“And if you can’t find an immediate appointment, please look to book an appointment for 2026 as blood is always needed. One blood donation can save or improve the lives of up to three people.”

During the busy Christmas period NHSBT can often issue more blood to hospitals than it collects, meaning stocks can run low. It has around 50,000 blood donation slots to fill during January as the NHS attempts to catch up and restock.

One blood donation can save or improve the lives of up to three people because the different components - red cells, plasma, platelets - can be separated and used for different patients. Plasma and platelets help treat diseases like cancer and immune disorders.

The Mirror launched the Give a Pint, Save a Life campaign to help blood stocks recover after the Covid-19 pandemic amid ongoing shortages. The new appeal comes after NHSBT revealed 10 “super donors” who have donated blood, plasma, platelets and stem cells over the last 20 years.

Andy Stowe, 64, a cycling officer from Birmingham, started donating blood as a teenager, donated stem cells in 2013 and now donates plasma every two weeks. He said: "Being able to donate is such an honour - it's something I have always loved to do and will continue to do as long as I am able. I'm incredibly proud to have been a donor of all types and will continue to donate as long as I can and whatever is needed."

Dr Christopher Black, 31, an anaesthetist from Leicester, made his first donation when he was a medical student. He said: "At work, I see the reality of how blood can bring people back to life and the reaction of family members when they hear their loved one is going to be OK. It really is life-changing and life-saving.

"The fact that I can pick up the phone, ask for blood and have it delivered right away can only happen through the work of hundreds of people and one particularly special person - the donor.”

At this time of year most available slots are at city centre donation venues rather than smaller pop-up community centres. NHSBT says blood donation slots are available particularly in London, Bristol, Manchester, Newcastle, Birmingham and Leeds.

To register as a blood donor with the NHS you can sign up online through the NHS Give Blood website or by downloading the NHS Give Blood app. You can also sign up by calling 0300 123 23 23. Once registered, you can book your appointment online, through the app or by calling.