Blood donor returns the gift of life

Albany woman Kiara Torr knows the importance of donating blood better than most.

The 23-year-old needed an emergency blood transfusion about six years ago after the birth of her son, Noah.

Ms Torr received almost a litre of blood - equivalent to four donations - which motivated her to become a regular donor after her recovery.

Her brother Callum Torr, 19, needed two transfusions when he had a bleed on the brain at the age of four, and during a brain operation when he was 18.

On Wednesday, Ms Torr made her 13th donation of O negative type or "universal donor" blood.

She donates whole blood every three months and plasma every fortnight, and urged others to roll up their sleeve.

"You would definitely know someone who has received donated blood products, you just don't realise it," Ms Torr said.

"It's an easy thing to give and saving three lives is a pretty good Christmas present."

The Australian Red Cross Blood Service launched its national Christmas Blood Blitz last week to prevent a shortage of vital blood products over the festive season.

ARCBS spokeswoman Jessica Willet said Albany Blood Donor Centre needed 30 donors on December 29 and 30 to meet demand.

She said cancer patients were the biggest users of donated blood and relied on platelets - which expire after five days - for treatment.

Contact 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au to donate.