Playing for Scotland involves a lot of blood, sweat and tears. But this winter Masters players are being asked for only one of those to help save lives up and down the country.
Scottish Masters Hockey (SMH) has teamed up with the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) as part of their “Bleed Blue” partnership to drive winter blood donations.
They’re asking players to consider donating to help keep Scotland’s blood stocks match-fit through the festive season. Blood has a shelf life of just 35 days, and with demand rising and recent shortages in Group A, Group O and Group B Negative, every donation is vital.
The SNBTS toolkit is being distributed to squads to encourage them to visit one of their regional donor centres in Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow, Edinburgh or Inverness – a potentially live-saving act.
The partnership was inspired by the winning efforts of Highland Hockey Club in Inverness, where men’s 45s player Kev Cummings is based. He encouraged masters team mates to get involved, and together they scored big, saving or improving the lives of at least 170 patients though their donations. Kev then asked SMH to consider collaborating with SNBTS in a national partnership, to reach as many Masters players as possible.
Kev said: “We started with a simple idea – to give back to our community. It’s incredible to see how far it’s come. I’d urge anyone who can to book an appointment and make a difference this winter.”
Lee Edmonds-Ward, President of SMH, said: “We are proud to support the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service in their life-saving mission. Their dedication ensures that communities across Scotland receive the care they need, and we stand alongside them in championing this vital work.
“As an organisation rooted in teamwork and community spirit, Scottish Masters Hockey wholeheartedly supports the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service. Their efforts save lives every day, and we encourage everyone in Scotland to join us in recognising and supporting this essential service.”
Dr Sylvia Armstrong Fisher of SNBTS explained: “What’s so powerful about this approach is that it’s sociable, it’s supportive, and you know exactly how much your team is doing for others.
“Giving blood with teammates or friends turns a life-saving act into a shared experience – a winning tactic that helps us bring in donors in the run-up to Christmas and beyond.”
SNBTS is now working with Scottish Masters Hockey to support the scheme across the country and encourage other sports clubs to do the same.
Dr Armstrong-Fisher continues, “Whether you’re part of a team, a committee, or just a group of friends, booking a group donation is a meaningful way to give back this festive season.”
Download the toolkit and make your appointment today by:
- Calling 0345 90 90 999
- Logging into your online donor account
- Emailing nss.snbtsenquiry@nhs.scot
- Searching appointments online at www.scotblood.co.uk
If you or your family have benefitted from a blood transfusion, or if you already donate blood on a regular basis, please email us with more info: communications@scottishmastershockey.org