New donors needed as illness takes toll

Albany's winter months often bring waves of the common cold and the flu through the city.

Those who donate blood regularly are not immune to winter illnesses and many people end up having to cancel their donation appointments because they become ill.

That means donation numbers drop severely during the colder season.

The Albany Blood Service is already in need of 150 new donors to step in for those who are unwell to donate blood and plasma. Blood service spokeswoman Jessica Willet said the Albany donor centre was short 150 donors over the next month and new ones were needed.

"Winter has only just started and already we are seeing less donors rolling up their sleeves," she said.

"Patients fighting cancer, infections and blood diseases are relying on donated blood to keep them healthy throughout winter.

"It only takes one hour to donate blood and help to save lives."

Albany man Jason Anderson decided to roll up his sleeve this month and donate plasma for the first time.

"I can only donate plasma because I've been out of the country a lot recently," he said.

"I've only been back from Vietnam for two weeks and I thought I'd better get in and donate."

Mr Anderson said it was his girlfriend who encouraged him to start donating, but he knew first-hand how important donating blood and plasma was.

"When I was born I had to get airlifted to Perth because I didn't have enough red blood cells, so I know how important this is," he said.