PEOPLE are being urged to make a resolution to give blood for the first time in 2018.

This year 2,129 people in Oxfordshire registered to give blood for the first time.

Now NHS Blood and Transplant is encouraging people to make a New Year’s resolution that can change someone else’s life, not just their own.

Mike Stredder, Director of Blood Donation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “It’s New Year and like many of us, you may be thinking about the year ahead and some changes you’d like to make to your life.

“This year we are asking people in Oxfordshire to focus on giving and to register to give blood.

“It’s easy to sign up and book your first appointment online or via our mobile phone app.

“By donating blood you will save or improve the lives of up to three people.”

The organisation needs about 200,000 new donors every year to maintain the supply for life-saving blood donations.

Donors are needed from all blood groups and communities but there is a particular need for more people from black and Asian communities to donate to help provide the right mix of blood.

If you are already a blood donor you could consider becoming a platelet donor. NHS Blood and Transplant particularly needs donors with the A negative blood group as they can help any patient. Visit blood.co.uk or download the app by searching NHSGiveBlood in the app store.