TWO more blood donor sessions are coming to the area over the coming days - with an appeal for people to donate, with stocks traditionally depleting over the holiday period.

NHS Blood and Transplant is particularly appealing for the B Rh negative blood group. This is in demand because certain ethnic groups are more prone to particular diseases that require blood, such as sickle cell anaemia and thalassemia and a higher proportion of these groups are Group B Rh.

Donors with blood group O Rh negative are typically known as the "universal donor" as their blood can be given to patients with a different blood group. This can prove vital in an emergency situation when there may not be time for an immediate blood grouping test to be carried out.

Dominic Sutherland, NHSBT Lead Donor Relations Manager for the area, said: "We know people are busy and especially in the summer but we’re asking that they remember those hospital patients who need blood to save or improve their lives. We’re asking our donors to please make an appointment to donate before they go away.

"If you’ve never given blood before, why not make this summer the time you join our donors and make a difference to others? Each blood donation can potentially save up to three lives."

Patients in need of blood in accident and emergency situations, patients undergoing surgery and receiving treatment for cancer and blood diseases, and women haemorrhaging in childbirth rely on blood donors.

You can find out whether we’ve got a session coming up in your area on www.blood.co.uk and book an appointment online to donate.

You can also register to become a donor on our website. Anyone aged between 17 - 65, weighing more than 50 kg (7 stone 12lbs) and in general good health could potentially start saving lives by becoming a blood donor. There is no upper age limit for donors who have donated in the last two years.

The first session takes place on Thursday in Hazlemere at the Community Centre in Rose Avenue, from 1.15pm to 3.30pm and thren from 4.15pm to 7pm.

Then, on Friday, donations are taking place in Princes Risborough at the Community Centre in Stratton Road, from 1.30 to 3.30pm and then from 4.15pm to 7.15pm.