By Pamela McGowan Health reporter

Last updated at 11:48, Saturday, 07 April 2012

Martin Tickner has been giving blood three times a year since 1976, donating almost 100 pints to date.

Martin Tickner

He has welcomed new rules that will make it possible for men to increase donations to four times a year – meaning that he could potentially help to save the lives of a further three adults or seven babies.

Martin, 55, who works as an enforcement officer at Carlisle City Council, is now urging more men to sign up.

“Only about six per cent of the population give blood, which is a disgrace really.

“I’d like to see more people signing up. You never know when you are going to need some yourself,” he said.

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) recently reviewed practices from other countries where men are allowed to donate more frequently.

This has shown to be safe for men, so the organisation has now issued new guidance.

It means male donors can now give blood four times in 12 months instead of three, though they have to wait 12 weeks between donations.

As a result a potential 100,000 extra units of blood could be donated by men every year to help save and improve the lives of thousands of people across the country every day.

Martin, who lives in Wigton, started giving blood with a group of colleagues more than 30 years ago and has never missed a session since.

The new rules mean he will now reach his 100th donation sooner than expected.

He believes a lot of people think about giving blood but never get round to it or are too worried about needles.

“It’s really easy so more people should do it. I usually go to the Crown & Mitre in Carlisle,” said Martin, who added that the city council always allow him to nip out of work to go along.

“When you get there you fill out a form to make sure you’re okay to give blood that day, then they take a prick from your finger to test your blood.

“If that’s ok you just lie on the bed while they attach the equipment to your arm, then it takes about 10 minutes.

“Afterwards you have a cup of tea or glass of orange and then you can go.

“There’s nothing to it really.

“I would definitely encourage more people to attend on a more regular basis to increase the levels of blood in the blood bank.”

Martin’s wife Liz also gives blood, though women will still only be allowed to donate three times a year – every 16 weeks – for health reasons.

Anne Sheldon, head of nursing at NHSBT said; “By offering men the chance to donate more often, we have the potential to increase regular blood stocks which is a great step forward in meeting the 7,000 units needed every day to meet hospital demands.

“We need to make sure that this is done safely though which is why we’ve introduced this for men, but not women.

“Female donors do not have the same levels of stored iron as male donors for lots of reasons. This means that they cannot donate as often as men because if they do it may put them at risk of anaemia.”

Most people aged between 17 and 65 and in general good health can potentially become blood donors.

To book an appointment call 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk

First published at 08:58, Saturday, 07 April 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk