By Rory Reynolds
TWO of the Scotland’s top football clubs have teamed up to boost the number of people giving blood over the October half-term break.
Hibs captain Chris Hogg and Hearts centre-back Marius Zaliukas appeared at the Edinburgh Blood Donor Centre to draw awareness to the 20 per cent drop in bloodstocks that the NHS suffers over the holiday period.
The footballers urged fans to give blood, and highlighted that they could save a lives with a simple gesture.
Hibs captain Chris Hogg said that every donor could make a difference to someone’s life.
Blood
He said: “It’s important that all football fans come forward and help the Service at this time and I would add my encouragement to them to come along and give blood.
“We just want to try and help highlight the need for new donors today and if we can do that, maybe it will help save or improve someone’s life.”
Hearts centre-back Marius Zaliukas added: “I would strongly encourage all fans to donate blood. There is an urgent need for new donors here because although everyone can receive blood, only 5 per cent of the population donate.
“Hopefully by helping promote the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, we can persuade supporters to give blood and help make a huge difference to people’s lives.”
Delighted
Vincent Mooney from the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service said that help from high profile stars makes all the difference to their ongoing campaign and encouraged people to roll up their sleeves and help out.
He said: “We are delighted to welcome along Chris and Marius and would like to thank Hibs and Hearts for helping us to highlight the constant need for new blood donors.
“To those who have always thought about becoming a blood donor, but have never got round to it, please roll up your sleeves and help us keep on top of the increasing need for blood donors.”
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