Cancer survivor fronts new campaign to boost blood donations in Wales.

The Welsh Blood Service has launched a new campaign, ‘Make Blood Your Business,’ to inspire Welsh organisations to support blood donation efforts in response to the decline in workplace-based donations since the pandemic.

Cancer survivor Martin Nicholls has teamed up with the Service to encourage companies across Wales to participate, sharing his story of survival to highlight the life-saving importance of blood donation.

As Chief Executive of Swansea Council, Martin has already made a significant impact by sharing his experience and encouraging local colleagues to donate.

Diagnosed with blood cancer, Martin received approximately 25 blood transfusions during his treatment, an experience that transformed his understanding of donation.

“You never think it’s going to be you,” Martin said. “I’m forever grateful to those who donated and want to give back, using my voice to inspire workplaces to join this campaign.”

Martins’ story also inspired his four children to become blood donors, underscoring the impact of sharing personal stories.

His collaboration with the Welsh Blood Service is part of a larger effort to bridge the gap in donations caused by the shift to hybrid working, which has seen 10,000 fewer workplace donations annually since the pandemic.

Through ‘Make Blood Your Business,’ the Welsh Blood Service provides companies with resources to set up donation events, promote local donation centres, and encourage remote or hybrid employees to get involved.

Alan Prosser, Director of the Welsh Blood Service, highlighted the new approach: “The popularity of home working has limited our traditional workplace donation drives. Working with Martin and other advocates like Frank Murphy has given us innovative ways to reach people, whether they’re office-based or remote.”

Another advocate, Frank Murphy, Area Property Operations Manager at HMP Berwyn in Wrexham, shared how blood donations saved his wife’s life during heart surgeries.

“Organising blood donation sessions at work is a way for us to give back. It could save someone you love,” Frank explained.

The Welsh Blood Service requires 350 blood donations daily to meet the needs of patients across Wales.

By teaming up with influential advocates like Martin and Frank, the Service hopes to inspire a robust network of Welsh businesses to join the cause. Interested organisations can register at www.wbs.wales/MBYB.