Glasgow Donor Centre welcomes boxer Kash Farooq

Faith and cultural leaders from across Scotland took part in the annual Imam Hussain Blood Donation Campaign (IHBDC) launch in Glasgow Donor Centre last week.

Led by the Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society (SABS), the campaign encourages people of all faiths and no faith to give blood. Now in its seventh year, the grassroots initiative organises annual blood donation sessions in Glasgow and Edinburgh donor centres. This year, the campaign is supported by 22 year old boxer Kash Farooq. 

Kash says, 'It's great to be here at Glasgow Donor Centre. Giving blood is an amazing thing to do, and I'd like to encourage as many young people as possible to join in. You can start giving blood at the age of 17.'

Giving blood is an amazing thing to do. Kash Farooq

Iftkhar Ali, Vice-Chairman of the Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society says, 'Contributing to the society we live in is an important part of our faith. The Imam Hussain Blood Donation Campaign - which takes place each year during the holy month of Muharram (Islamic New Year) - encourages people to do just that.  Every donation a blood donor gives can be split into three lifesaving parts. Together we hope to save or improve the lives of many people Scotland.'

Mary Morgan, Director SNBTS, said: 'This campaign is an important part of boosting lifesaving blood supplies and we look forward to welcoming many new blood donors.'

• To sign up as a blood donor call 0345 90 90 999 or fill out our online form