Church in Wales joins NHS blood donation campaign

The Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, giving blood

The Church in Wales has joined the NHS's campaign to boost blood and organ donors among Christians.

The FleshandBlood campaign is encouraging churches to see blood and organ donation as part of their giving and an act of Christian generosity.

As part of the campaign, Christians are being encouraged to sign up to the NHS Organ Donation Register and book a date to give blood.

The Church in Wales joins The Salvation Army, the United Reformed Church, the Church of England, the Evangelical Alliance and Methodist Church in supporting the campaign.

Every day 400 units of blood are needed in Wales to meet hospital demand, with approximately 12,000 extra blood donors needed each year to maintain consistency. More than 1,000 people die each year in the UK waiting for an organ transplant.

The Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, has already given blood in support of the campaign. He described giving blood as love in action.

"As Christians we believe that offering our organs and our blood to save lives is love in action and part of what it means to love our neighbours," he said.

"So donating our organs as a gift goes to the heart of what it is to be a disciple of Jesus. That is why I carry a donor card and strongly urge as many people as possible to register online.

"We hope the FleshandBlood campaign will help make the difference between life and death to those so desperately waiting for transplants."

It is the first time the NHS has teamed up with the church to campaign for more blood and organ donors.

Dr Geoff Poole, Director at the Welsh Blood Service, said, "All major faith groups support donation in the spirit of giving and we're excited to explore this in more detail by working with the Christian church.

"By raising awareness amongst its members and community about the daily need for blood transfusions and organ transplants across the NHS, we hope to banish myths, educate people and encourage blood and organ donation. Donating blood is a unique gift and one that can truly save lives."