This week is National Blood Week, you may have noticed the campaign to raise awareness of the missing donors.

Some leading brands have been missing the blood type letters of their labels to show support, we have done the same.

Over 200,000 new donors are needed each year to ensure the supply can match the demand.

Giving blood was something that Fran and I had been meaning to do for years but never got around to it.

When I was at uni, the blood donation van would come on a Wednesday afternoon once per month.  I finished lectures at 11 and had generally a couple of beers by the time they turned up.  Vowing each month to remember next month.

It took over 20 years for me to remember and we both registered last year.  We've donated 5 times each now, I was hoping to be ahead of Fran but some endurance challenges meant that I had to miss a couple of slots and she could keep up with me.

Men can donate every 3 months, whereas women only every 4 months.

If you're healthy and want to do something that directly saves lives, register today.

Don't be nervous, it doesn't hurt and you get a nice cup of tea, some biscuits and a bag of crisps afterwards.  The nurses are really friendly and are always good for a chat.

You can find out more at - http://www.blood.co.uk/news-media/campaigns/national-blood-week/

Darren 'loves a biscuit' Checkley

Our next bootcamp starts on Monday 22nd June 2015, you can apply here - www.achievebootcamp.co.uk/application