Getting back in the spirit

Colleagues from Spirit Energy in Aberdeen used a corporate booking as a way to get back into the habit of giving blood.

After seeing a section on the news about blood donation, Spirit Energy employee Helen Basford requested that the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) department looked into the possibility of organising a corporate event at Aberdeen Blood Donor Centre.

Helen said, 'I had attended a corporate session many years ago and thought there were probably lots of people at Spirit Energy who would be happy to donate but who struggle to find the time for it'. 

Neil Shearer made his 10th donation as part of the corporate booking and hadn't given blood since 2013.

He said, 'Once you miss an appointment, it's really easy to get out of the habit of donating. My Dad was in a car crash years ago and received blood so it's something we've always been encouraged to do. Donating this way is really convenient'. 

Another donor making a return after a few years away was Neil Corbett who last donated in 2017.

He said, 'I'm a bit embarrassed that it's been so long, I just fell out of the habit of doing it. I'm definitely going to try and keep it up.' 

Ross McDonald had never donated before but found that giving blood as part of a corporate session was the perfect opportunity.

'I had registered as a blood donor a while ago but just didn't get round to making an appointment. I didn't really know what to expect but all the staff were really informative and put me at ease. I'd encourage everyone to do it. 

In total, 26 employees from Spirit Energy rolled up their sleeves to give blood.

Head of HSE for Spirit Energy, Steve Grant said, 'It's a great opportunity to play our part in support of the community and the NHS'.  

Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service Donor Recruitment and Publicity Officer Kimberley Petrie said, 'To have 26 people from one company come along to give blood is really fantastic and it's lovely to see people returning who haven't given blood in a while. As we use the three components (blood, platelets and plasma) from every donation, it means that each donation can help three people. This means Spirit Energy colleagues have helped to save or improve the lives of up to 78 patients in Scotland. It just goes to show, whether you haven't given in a while or you're new to donating, every time you give blood makes a difference. 

• Have you been inspired to arrange a group booking with your colleagues? Contact us or give us a call on 0345 90 90 999 (Mon-Fri 9am till 5pm) to find out more