Blood is – quite literally – the life blood of our healthcare service.

“Human blood is the best treatment for a whole range of medical conditions including surgeries and emergency treatments,” explains Dr Gareth Nye, lecturer of physiology at the University of Chester Medical School. “Without donations, someone, somewhere is not getting the care and treatment they require – and we also need a good stock in case of surges in demand.”

According to the NHS blood and transplant service, more young people aged between 17 and 35 are needed to donate in order to secure a supply of blood for the future – so if you’re interested, take this as a sign to register.

If you’re of Black heritage, your blood is particularly sought-after to cope with the increasing demand for ethnically matched blood to treat patients with sickle-cell disease.

And aside from the obvious benefit to the NHS, you can also feel pretty good about the fact that you’re a literal lifesaver.

Giving blood in the UK is easier than you think – here’s why you should do it