British Charity Aims to Break World Blood Donation Record to Save Lives
● World record attempt aims to save 150,000 lives through 50,000 donations around the world on 27 August 2022.
● #GlobalBloodHeroes Day aims to break the world record for the most blood donations in one calendar day.
● Campaign led by social justice charity ‘Who is Hussain’ in partnership with NHS Blood and Transplant.
● Initiative aims to raise awareness about blood donations, especially amongst people from ethnic minority backgrounds where blood donation rates are very low.
LONDON – On Saturday 27 August, Who is Hussain, a grassroots social justice charity, will attempt to break the world record for the most blood donations in one calendar day.
The ambitious #GlobalBloodHeroes drive aims to rally 50,000 blood donors across six continents. The campaign aims to save 150,000 lives at a time when blood supplies are dangerously low.
Just one unit of blood can help to save three lives.
NHS hospitals are currently suffering a significant lack of supply. The UK needs to recruit 400 new blood donors every day to save the lives of those who suffer blood loss through accidents, childbirth or have a medical condition such as haemophilia.
THERE IS AN URGENT NEED FOR BLOOD
In October last year, the UK sought 100,000 new donors to meet rising demand. Shockingly, the UK has an average of only 6 days’ worth of blood stocks.
Part of the problem lies with the fact that there are not enough people willing to donate blood. Who is Hussain hopes to challenge the fears and phobias around blood donation that may have prevented action in the past. In particular, there is a growing need for blood donors to come forward from Black and Asian ethnic minority backgrounds.
IT JUST TAKES ONE HOUR
Through #GlobalBloodHero Day on 27 August, Who is Hussain is partnering in the UK with NHS Blood and Transplant as well as the Imam Hussain Blood Donation Campaign, one of the country’s oldest Muslim blood donation organisation. They will be welcoming hundreds of blood donors as they participate in this worldwide effort.
Blood donation is a safe and regulated procedure conducted by healthcare professionals.
Altaf Kazi, Head of Partnerships and Community Engagement at NHS Blood and Transplant said:
“Thousands of lives are saved every year in England, thanks to the heroism of individuals willing to donate their blood – many who have overcome their own fears to do something truly life-changing. We’re proud to be partnering with Who is Hussain to help them reach their ambitious goal, to support those who depend on these life-changing donations. Donation is safe and only takes an hour of your time to save up to three lives. Sign up today and help to make history.”
SMALL ORGANISATION MAKING A BIG IMPACT
Muntazir Rai, Director of Who is Hussain said: “It takes one hour to save three lives. We know our goal to save 150,000 lives is ambitious, but we are confident there are thousands of Global Blood Heroes out there who are brave enough to step up to the challenge. In our faith we are told that to ‘save one life is to save all of humanity’. That could not be more true now as we face a blood shortage crisis. We felt it was important to help people find a way to support their communities and the world. I will be overcoming my fears to donate blood for the first time on 27 August. Join me!”
To find out where you can donate on 27 August and how you can book online for the #GlobalBloodHeroes campaign, visit Who Is Hussain’s website now.
