Get Your Blood Pumping this January as we run to raise money for blood donation!

Why is blood donation important?

1 in 4 of us will need a blood transplant at some point in our lives, with someone needing blood every 2 seconds, so it is crucial that stocks stay at a high level! Each year 200,000 new donors are required to replace those who can no longer can give blood, we promote this life-changing opportunity to students at Durham University. With over half the current donors over the age of 45, more young people are needed to start donating. As it currently stands, 81% of 18-24 year olds have never donated blood before, this is something we want to change by getting more students involved.

What do we do as a society?

Due to lack of NHS funding, unfortunately blood banks no longer visit Durham city centre. As a society we pay for transport costs to take students to and from donation stations so that they can still participate. We take students together in groups on donation days; making it a warm and friendly environment, encouraging them to re-donate on their own one day. Blood Soc also provides gifts and treats to all those that volunteer with us, such as water bottles; pen; stress balls and t-shirts. Not to mention to free food and drink all donors get after giving blood!

What is the ‘Get Your Blood Pumping' (GYBP) campaign?

The challenge is something the Exec are participating in to raise funds for the society which will go towards things like providing transport for students to and from donation days. Each member will be running everyday of January to meet a personal target, such as reaching a distance of 100k in one month, and then be sponsored for their efforts. Anyone and everyone is welcome to join in with the challenge, this can be done through:

- Setting yourself a personal target and getting sponsored. The further we run together, the more money we aim to raise for Blood Soc! If you would like to join us you can join the Blood Soc Strava club to track runs! Please send us a message on Facebook and we can give you more information!

- Just running occasionally and fundraising for the society during January

- Simply by donating and helping the cause!

Those taking part in the challenge include:

- Lou Webster (Exec - President)

- Joe Shepherd (Exec - Treasurer)

- Moushita Mahmud (Exec - Secretary)

- Charlotte Turner (Exec - PR Officer)

- Sophia Coveney (Exec - Publicity Officer)

- Finola Southgate (Exec - Fundraising and Sponsorship Officer)

- Reece Roberts (Exec - Social Sec)

- Charlotte Carver

- Sophia Gonella

- James Orr

- Hitham Hassan

- Luke Rose

- Darcey Walker

- Kathryn Rogers

- Megan Clark

- Tom Henderson

Well done to everyone - it's going to be tough but keep up the excellent work! If you would like to get involved as well, please send Blood Soc a message on Facebook

Time to get your trainers on team, lets go!