OUR campaign to sign up 1,000 people to give blood has received a shot in the arm from the county’s great and good.

Dignitaries including the county’s High Sheriff, Richard Dick, have pledged to donate a pint of the red stuff for the Oxford Mail’s Gift of Life campaign.

Mr Dick encouraged others to follow in his footsteps.

He said: “It’s so important that people sign up to this.

“There are not enough people doing it, and I think campaigns are so important because they raise the publicity and often that’s the problem.

“The more people know about it then hopefully they will come forward.

“It’s just a small needle and it’s something that can be done in a lunchtime. It could save a life.”

The Deputy Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Paul Bradstock, also backed the appeal.

He said: “At the moment, our stocks are low and until scientists can develop artificial blood the only way to get round that is to get people out there to sign up.

“Unfortunately, I’ve been told that I’m a little too old to do it, but I still urge people to take that trip down to their local centre and do their bit for someone who desperately needs the help.

“Who knows, it could be you who needs that pint one day.”

Abingdon mayor Patricia Hobby said she regularly gave blood.

She said: “I just believe that if you’re capable of doing it, you really should go ahead and donate.

“It’s only a pint, which is not much at all, and it’s something nearly all of us can do.

“It just takes a moment and you get a lolli-pop at the end.”

JackFM staff have also signed up to boost the county’s blood stocks. Presenter Trevor Marshall, 39, from Bicester, said: “I gave blood a few times but I haven’t done it for a couple of years.

“The times that I have done it, you always have a little spring in your step afterwards. You may be a little bit wobbly but you’ve done your bit.

“I feel a bit nervous but generally good having signed up. It’s something I should have done before now really.

“One of the guys at the station who is really squeamish has signed up and if he can do it, anybody can.”

The Oxford Mail has teamed up with the National Blood Service to recruit 1,000 new donors as blood stocks are set to dip during the winter months.

fbardsley@oxfordmail.co.uk l If you have a story about giving or receiving blood call Fran Bardsley on 01865 425427 or email her at the address above