74473-48It does not take much to give blood but your contribution can make all the difference. KEVIN SHOESMITH reports.

BEAMING Jodie Kendall is every inch a daddy's girl. As the six-year-old throws her arms around him, Lee, 32, knows just how precious the moment is.

Jodie is suffering from leukaemia and even a common cold could result in a visit to Great Western Hospital for a rushed blood transfusion.

There are already about 18,500 registered blood donors in Swindon.

But there's still not enough blood to go around, warns the National Blood Service.

Now an urgent SOS message has gone out to Swindonians to help replenish stockpiles for 2005.

Lee, an IT worker from Freshbrook, said: "It's just so important for people to stop and think how their donation could help save lives.

"We are a typical example of a family that never did until we had the need for donated blood."

Since that harrowing day in February 2004 when Jodie was diagnosed with the illness, Lee and wife Angela, 35, have tried to give blood every four months.

"It should not take something as tragic as your daughter getting leukaemia to make you think about giving blood," said Lee, who admits to feeling guilty at having put off donating in the past.

"I know it can be an inconvenience but I would urge anyone thinking about doing it to make it their number one priority today."

Little Jodie, who returned to school earlier this week after the Christmas break, had her last transfusion on Christmas Eve.

Lee said: "Chemotherapy kills haemoglobin which helps the body to repair itself.

"Jodie had a temperature that day and that can sometimes be a sign of an infection.

"We took her to GWH and tests showed she had an infection in her chest so the nurses gave her one bag of blood."

Another family who never thought they would have to rely on the National Blood Service are the Garretts from Old Walcot.

Seven-year-old Megan also a leukaemia sufferer was diagnosed in November 2003. So far she has had five blood transfusions on top of having to take pills each day.

Mum Lynn, 37, said: "The consequences of this shortage could be very serious for people like my daughter."

Dad Paul Garrett, a Swindon detective sergeant, added: "Any donation is invaluable. It has greatly helped our daughter in her recovery.

"I can't begin to describe the shock, horror and disbelief when we heard that Megan had leukaemia.

"Now it's a case of survival and blood donations play a huge role in that."

How to help

David Chandler, a spokesman for the National Blood Service, said: "It takes just an hour to give blood, and that gift could help save several lives.

"Only six per cent of the eligible population currently donate so we're hoping that people will make every effort this New Year to become a regular blood donor."

To become a donor you need to be between 17 and 60, weigh more than 7st 12lb (50kg) and be in reasonable health.

For information call 08457 711 711 or visit www.blood.co.uk.

FORTHcoming blood donor sessions:

The Premier Club, Ermin Street, Stratton, today from 1.15pm-3.25pm and 4.30pm-7.15pm

Swindon Town FC, The County Ground on Tuesday, January 11 and Tuesday, January 25, from 1.15pm-3.55pm and 5pm-7.30pm.

St. Paul's Church Centre, Kingfisher Drive, Covingham, on Friday, January 14, 1.15-3.55pm and 5pm-7.30pm.

John Moulton Hall, Penhill Drive, Penhill on Friday, January 21, from 9.45am-12.25pm and 2.30pm-5pm.

Community Centre, The Street, Moredon on Wednesday, January 26, from 1.45pm-3.55pm and 5-7.45pm.

Ellendune Community Centre, Barrett Way, Wroughton on Thursday, February 17, from 2pm-3.55pm and 5pm-7.30pm.