Wellbeing Wednesday - Dave gives blood

August 17th, 2021 Unipart Group
Dave gives blood

Everyday thousands of lives are saved by those who give blood. However, donation targets are rarely reached and new donors are needed daily.  

Due to the recent changes where giving blood is now no longer based on orientation, Dave Tilmouth, Head of Marketing for Unipart Rail, was able to give blood for the first time in over 20 years.

He agreed to film his experience and you can watch this below. 

WARNING: This content shows video footage of the blood donation procedure, including the use of needles.  

 

Register to give blood today!

If Dave’s story has inspired you, find your nearest Blood Centre and register today! Your donation supports the NHS and saves lives. 

The website also provides a step-by-step guide through the donation process and stories from patients whose lives have been saved thanks to the gift of blood donation.

The donation process is simple and saves lives. In fact, it’s so quick that, as Dave says, “You’ll be home in time for tea.”!

 

Why is donating blood important?

Your decision to give blood saves the lives of those in emergencies, complications during pregnancy and childbirth and those who need long-term treatments. 

To meet the demands of hospitals and patients, the NHS urgently needs more donors from Black and BAME communities, those with priority blood types and donors to replace those who can no longer donate.

Most people can give blood if they 

  • are fit and healthy
  • weigh between 7 stone 12 lbs and 25 stone, or 50kg and 158kg
  • are aged between 17 and 66 (or 70 if you have given blood before)
  • are over 70 and have given a full blood donation in the last two years

Find out more about if you are eligible to give blood.

Has your life been saved through blood donation? Would you like to share your story? Please contact us!

 

Lifeworks

lifeworks large

Our Employee Assistance Provider called LifeWorks, has a wide range of resources that can help you to maintain your wellbeing.

If you are struggling with any aspect of life, you can get free, confidential support from independent caring counsellors 24/7, via the phone number on 0800 169 1920 or through unipart.lifeworks.com or the LifeWorks mobile app. 

If you don't already have a login, find out more about how to sign up here.

 

Tags: Employee Engagement , Wellbeing , CSR

8 comments have been posted.

Required for comment verification
  • March 14, 2025, 8:14 a.m. - Lorna Burke  
    Great to see this Dave :) i have given blood 12 times so far, My sister required blood when fighting for her life and i have donated when i can since. I am A- so its used to treat a number of people.
    Reply
  • Aug. 20, 2021, 10:06 a.m. - Sam Ward  
    Great stuff Dave, I had to have a blood transfusion during my chemo treatment and am very thankful for whoever donated theirs to help me. Unfortunately because of my treatment that now counts me out of donating otherwise I would be following your example. My hubby regularly donates however so at least one of us is doing their bit!!
    Reply
  • Aug. 19, 2021, 2:32 p.m. - Alistair Drummond moderator  
    Good work, Dave. I've been giving platelets for a while. I'm A negative so my platelets can be used to treat people from all blood groups. The donor centre team in Oxford are a lovely bunch and always stock plenty of Mini Cheddars!
    Reply
  • Aug. 18, 2021, 7:01 p.m. - Wayne Harris  
    I make my 3rd donation next week - I'm B+. B positive is an important blood type for treating people with sickle cell disease and thalassemia who need regular transfusions. These conditions affect South Asian and Black communities where B positive blood is more common. Approximately 2% of donors have this rare subtype and they need more! You can really save a life with an hour (max) of your time - how awesome is that?
    Reply
  • Aug. 18, 2021, 3:21 p.m. - Hannah Field  
    I've given blood for the 2nd time today. I am O- so they call me a 'First Responder'! Everyone can have O- so it is used a lot in emergency situations when they don't have time to check blood types! I'm happy to do my bit for an hour every 16 weeks! #givebloodsavealife (or 3 in most cases). Plus I like to get the messages through letting me know which Hospital my blood has been used at.
    Reply
  • Aug. 18, 2021, 11:23 a.m. - Joanna Matson moderator  
    Thanks for sharing Dave - I had to have a blood transfusion after my daughter was born so am thankful to anyone who donates. I tried to register to give back, but due to the transfusion I had I'm not eligible :(
    Reply
  • Aug. 18, 2021, 8:25 a.m. - Juliette Wells  
    Well done Dave. Made the process look quick and easy. I hate needles but it's made me think I might be able to do it :)
    Reply
    Aug. 18, 2021, 11:13 a.m. - Dave Tilmouth  
    Fabulous! If I can get a few more people to do this, then that's great!