Friends donate blood after Bath woman's fight for life while in labour

A group of women have now donated a pint of blood each to more than replace the amount used by their friend while she was in labour.

Lorna Anderson suffered complications that saw her fighting for her life while giving birth to her son Louie.

The mother-of-three, from Newbridge in Bath, was given ten pints of blood and needed to spend eight days in hospital back in September.

Her friends wanted to do something to help, and decided to replace the blood that she had needed.

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Stephanie Wilson, Kerri Smith, Kate Lunt, Karen Haag, Tori Nye, Jackie Ainsworth, Sarah Burns, Amanda Thomas, Kate Warner, Kirstin Courtney, Vanessa Anstey and Natasha Zurick all donated a pint of blood each during a session at the Hilton Hotel in Walcot Street.

Stephanie, who organised the group, said: "There was a great atmosphere at the Hilton and the blood nurses were very helpful and efficient.

"Some of our group were apprehensive as it was their first time giving blood, but all were surprised at how quick and easy it was.

"We are all feeling so pleased that we have done our bit, and have all rebooked to do it all again."

The group will return to the Hilton on Monday, May 13.

Their efforts have boosted a campaign launched late last year to find 100 new blood donors in 100 days across Bath and north east Somerset.

The NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) service is appealing for people to register as donors, and give blood before February 14.

To keep the donor register in decent shape, 225,000 new donors are needed every year.

The literal new blood ensures that hospital demand is met.

It also counteracts the loss of donors through death or illness.

However, in the last ten years the number of new donors has declined.

For 2012/13 the NHS Blood and Transplant team needs to collect 21,344 units of blood in Bath.

To give blood you must be aged between 17 and 65, in good health, and weighing at least 7st 12lb.

Men can donate every 12 weeks.

Women can donate every 16 weeks.

For more information or to book an appointment, call 0300 123 23 23.

People can also visit the website www.blood.co.uk.