Star Radio’s campaign to encourage people to donate blood platelets is praised today by Cambridge Labour Parliamentary spokesperson Daniel Zeichner as he makes his first donation. As a regular previous blood donor, he cheerfully admits that he didn’t know what was special about blood platelets until alerted by the local radio station’s campaign:

“Earlier this year Star Radio challenged local public figures to come forward to highlight the need for people to donate blood platelets. I rolled up to the NHS caravan in their car park for a quick test, found that I was suitable, and will be at Addenbrookes later today to make my first donation. Blood platelets have a shelf-life of just five days, so our hospitals always need more people to come forward -; well done Star Radio for highlighting the cause.”

Blood platelets are produced by our bone marrow and stem blood flow at the the site of an injury, causing blood to clot and helping the wound to scab over. They are vital for cancer patients; leukaemia sufferers; transplant patients; and patients who have suffered a major haemorrhage as a result of surgery or severe injury.

More information from the Cambridge Donor Centre based on the Addenbrookes site: 01223 588001