BARNSLEY residents are being encouraged to make saving lives one of their new year’s resolutions this year by giving blood.

National figures show that over the Christmas week demand for blood from hospitals exceeded collections by almost 3,000 units.

The festive period is always a challenge for blood stocks as cold weather, seasonal illnesses and busier diaries lead to more unfilled and missed appointments, while demand from hospitals can rise. Christmas Day and New Year’s Day are the only days of the year that blood isn’t collected.

Currently England remains in an amber alert for low blood stocks.

Dr Jo Farrar, chief executive at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “New Year is a time when lots of people make resolutions.

“Make giving blood your resolution for 2025 and you will save up to three lives every time you donate.

“The NHS needs life-saving blood all year round, so we are asking people to help us maintain the lifesaving supply of blood to hospitals this year by booking an appointment now.

“Between now and the middle of January we still have almost 11,000 appointments that we need to fill.

“Giving blood is quick and easy - the whole process takes just one hour.

“Book an appointment today and save lives this year.”

To book an appointment visit www.blood.co.uk, use the GiveBlood app or call 0300 123 23 23.