A WORCESTER family teamed up with Droitwich Rugby Club to encourage more people to give blood in memory of James O’Mara.
Droitwich Rugby Club hosted an awareness day in collaboration with NHS Blood and Transplant and the charity Bloodwise in memory of young man.
James, who was a keen member of Droitwich Rugby Club, died from leukaemia in June, just a week after being diagnosed.
In the week before he died James received 89 units of blood and the family were keen for these 89 units to be paid back by being donated for others in his memory.
The event was a huge success with 135 people registering as blood donors and pledging to donate in James’ memory.
Volunteers from Bloodwise were also present to raise awareness of blood cancers and the life-saving research taking place here in the Midlands.
Emma Jane Jones, Regional Manager from Bloodwise said: “We are incredibly grateful to all of James’ family and friends for raising awareness of blood cancers and the importance of giving blood.
“Blood transfusions are used in the treatment of many types of blood cancer and can be the difference between life and death.
“We’re pleased to see that something so positive has come out of such a tragedy and we’d like to thank the family for adding an additional and vital 135 blood donors to the register.”
Mark Dodwell, the chairman for mini’s and juniors at the club said: “Droitwich Rugby club are very grateful to everyone who turned up and registered to give blood today, in memory of James.
“We knew we would reach the 89 units target but to exceed it in the way we did just goes to show how James’ story has touched so many people at the club and in the local area.
Although overall blood use within the NHS has reduced thanks to improvements in clinical and surgical practices, around 6,000 donations are needed every day to meet the need of patients in England.
Anyone who is fit and healthy, weights more than seven stone 12lv and aged between 17 and 66 should be able to give blood.
Visit www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23 to register and book an appointment.
