Students in Monmouth have been praised by the Welsh Blood Service after a mix of 59 students, staff and parents took time out to give blood.
Monmouth School for Girls, Monmouth School for Boys and Monmouth Comprehensive School last week teamed up for a new initiative for the Welsh Blood Service.
The Blood Donor Day was hosted by Monmouth School for Girls with many students making a blood donation for the first time.
In addition to 59 people giving blood, 13 blood donors signed up to the Welsh Bone Marrow Donor Registry and join a database of over 35 million donors from across the globe.
Headmistress of Monmouth School for Girls, Mrs Jessica Miles, praised the students for their outstanding achievement.
“We are proud to be driving forward this initiative in conjunction with the Welsh Blood Service and its outreach programme,” she said.
“Young people are the future of the Welsh Blood Service and we are delighted to bring the three secondary schools in Monmouth together.
“We know that young people make a positive difference in many ways and for this reason it’s vital that young people know about the importance of giving blood.
“Every blood donation made can potentially save up to three lives so collectively today our pupils have potentially saved hundreds of lives in Wales.
“We would definitely encourage other secondary schools across Wales to support this worthwhile and important initiative.”
She added: “I am delighted there is such a strong community spirit in Monmouth and we are proud our schools stand side-by-side in helping such a good cause.”
After making her first donation, Lili, a student at Monmouth School for Girls, said: “I don’t see why anyone shouldn’t give blood if they can. It isn’t anything that is going to hurt to you, you feel great afterwards and you have done something to help a person in need.”
The Monmouth students join five other comprehensive schools across Wales: Olchfa (Swansea), Baesleg (Newport), Y Pant (Talbot Green), Castell Alun (Wrexham) and Prestatyn (Prestatyn).
The new schools will help the Welsh Blood Service secure an additional 300 first time donors every year, with more eligible schools expected to join the programme in 2020.
To ensure a steady supply of blood reaches hospitals across Wales, the Welsh Blood Service needs over 100,000 donations a year, which is equivalent to 350 donations per day.
Alan Prosser, Director of Service at the Welsh Blood Service, said: “We would like to thank the students and the members of staff who have selflessly contributed towards the 100,000 donations needed in Wales each year.
“They have shown fantastic commitment and great community spirit.
“It’s essential that we pass on how important donating blood is to the younger generation.”
He added: “By having the support of schools in Wales, we can encourage more students to try donating as part of their school day. We hope that these pupils’ actions will encourage more people living in Wales to consider donating in the future.
If you’ve never donated before, now is a great time to try.”
