Barnsley Football Club has announced a collaboration with the NHS Blood and Transplant ‘Bleed For’ campaign, ahead of the 2018/19 home kit launch.

NHS Blood and Transplant are searching for local heroes prior to the new season – as there is a need for blood donors, particularly O negative, B negative, or male. Potential donors are encouraged to register and to book an appointment, at a local donor centre*.

Reds legend, Bobby Hassell, is fully supporting the collaboration as the Give Blood team need a different type of hero, like season ticket holder, Bob Sidebottom.

Bob, a lifelong Reds fan was recently diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma. Prior to his diagnosis Bob was a long-term blood donor, having donated 86 units, directly benefitting 258 people.

Bob said: “I was taken into hospital feeling weak and quite poorly. I was given antibiotics to help fight the infection.

“I was advised I would need a transfusion too. I joked with the doctor then I had given quite a few pints of blood so it was my turn to have some back.

“A few days later I had more energy and was back on my feet. I was very grateful to receive the blood and continue with my treatment.”

Across the nation, every day around 6,000 people give blood, giving up their time to save lives and whatever the result this season and Academy Manager and Club legend, Bobby Hassell, is hoping Barnsley supporters will be inspired to join and give blood.

“Bob’s story is incredible”, said Hassell. “I hope both his bravery and generosity encourages not only Barnsley fans, but the general South Yorkshire population to get involved.

One donation can save or significantly improve three lives and the process is just as quick as grabbing a pie at half-time!”

25,000 male donors are needed step forward. Men’s blood is particularly useful to make plasma and platelets used to stop bleeding after injury or surgery. Men are also able to donate more frequently and are more likely to have lots of iron and so can donate more regularly than women. Despite this, 2 in 3 new donors are women.

Mike Stredder, Director of Blood Donation at NHS Blood and Transplant says: “To meet our patient’s needs at all times, we need 700 new donors every day to follow in the footsteps of donors like Bob and help save lives.

“There is a particular need for O negative and B negative donors as these are vulnerable blood groups that often run low on stocks at various times of the year, especially as the heat wave continues. So anyone who knows they have one of these blood groups please do come forward to donate.

“If you can’t get an appointment to give blood at the moment, don’t worry. The need for blood is constant so we encourage anyone who can’t get one now to book for a future date.

“If you live or work near to one of our fixed site donor centres, please book an appointment to give there.”

Please go to www.blood.co.uk to find out if you can donate, register as a donor and book an appointment at your local donor centre. Giving blood is simple and an hour of your time can help save up to three lives.

If you can’t book an appointment straight away, please don’t worry, we need blood donors every day so please book an appointment in the future. Save a life. Give blood #Giveblood