PLEASE consider donating blood. I had thought about it many times, but never quite got round to it, so I didn't start until I was 44.

My blood form stated Blue Bag, which meant it was virus free and could be used for the tiniest babies. This made me very determined to attend every session in order to help as much as I could.

In 1998, I developed bladder cancer and lost a lot of blood before the diagnosis was made.

I received six units of blood when I had become seriously anaemic and, within hours, I was feeling so much better and realised how important donated blood is.

After I had recovered from the cancer treatment I contacted the Blood Transfusion Service to find out when I could resume donating and that is when the bombshell hit me. As I had been treated for cancer I would no longer be able to give blood. This upset me far more than the illness had done.

So, I would urge anyone who has been thinking about it to stop thinking and start donating. It takes an hour or so of your time every four months and can help so many.

(Mrs) H NICHOLLS

Swindon