Scotland’s World Cup rivals unite to give blood and save lives
A World Cup-themed blood donation event has brought together representatives from Scotland, Haiti, Morocco and Brazil in a show of solidarity, highlighting the urgent need for donors ahead of a busy summer.
Glasgow Blood Donor Centre saw supporters come together to donate blood side by side as Scotland prepares to face these nations on the world stage. The event used football’s global appeal to spotlight falling donor numbers and the importance of maintaining blood supplies during major national moments.
Pauline Stewart of the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service said:
'Today's session had a fun theme but a serious message. Blood donation attendance fell by over 20% following Scotland’s World Cup qualification, and fewer than 2% of the population are active donors.
'With demand expected to increase over the summer, we need people to step forward now. While these nations will meet on the pitch, today we're coming together for something far more important - saving lives.
'We hope this shows how football can unite communities in a different way - with a shared goal of helping others.'
Among those taking part was Leilani Taneus-Miller (Haiti), an Edinburgh-based writer, who attended with her children Dashiell, a footballer, and Oceane, a nurse.
Leilani said: 'The World Cup is a global reminder of the joy, passion and progress we can achieve when we come together. I encourage as many people in Scotland and Haiti to give blood.'
Fernanda Dal Piaz (Brazil), Deputy Consul at the Consulate General of Brazil in Edinburgh, also took part alongside Glasgow-based barber Allison Rodrigues.
Fernanda said: 'I can’t wait for the World Cup. Football means so much to us Brazilians, and we know it means as much to the Scots too after 28 years of not being at the World Cup. Our two nations also have a proud belief in the importance of giving blood.'
Taoufik Mohdit (Morocco), a software engineer, joined the event and highlighted the importance of donation within his community.
Taoufik said: 'Donating blood is something very important to the Moroccan community. I'm happy to join with my Scottish friends in saving lives, even though I will be supporting Morocco on the pitch!'
Duncan Sloan (Scotland), a taxi driver representing the Tartan Army, also attended alongside members of the band Scratchcard Wednesday, including Dexter Brady and Tyrese Ojo.
Duncan said: 'This is a fantastic event. The Tartan Army have always been all about sticking together and looking after each other. I’m proud to donate blood with my new friends from Haiti, Morocco and Brazil.'
Scratchcard Wednesday member Dexter Brady said: 'It's really important that young people sign up as only two percent of Scotland currently donate. Blood donation is such an important cause. Mon out this summer and save lives!'
The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service is continuing to encourage anyone eligible to support Team Scotland by booking an appointment to give blood. Scotland needs donations from 450 people every day to meet hospital demand, with fewer than 2% of the population currently active donors.
- Book your appointment to give blood online, by calling 0345 90 90 999 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm), or by emailing snbtsenquiry@nhs.scot