Cambridgeshire Advanced Drivers and Riders

6th April 2009- National Blood Service - Helmet Sticker Launch, Addenbrookes, Cambridge

Billy Blood Drop encourages Cambridge Motorcyclists to become life savers

Billy Blood Drop greeted members of Cambridge Advanced Drivers and Riders (CADAR) when they arrived at the Addenbrookes blood donation centre in Cambridge to deliver a supply of helmet stickers for distribution.

The stickers have been produced as part of the new safety campaign launched by CADAR and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Road Safety Partnership (CPRSP) to raise awareness of safer motorcycling and the importance of blood donation across Cambridge by incorporating the 'Give Blood' message.

Peter Vasey, of CADAR, commented "CADAR aims to encourage safe driving and riding techniques, but sadly motorcyclists are still involved in accidents which can necessitate hospital treatment."

"These stickers contain vital information, including the importance of not removing a driver's crash helmet at the scene of an accident, but they are also being distributed to encourage more motorcyclists to take up the challenge of improving their riding skills, along with encouraging the county's bikers to give blood on a regular basis."

The helmet stickers and information on CADAR are available from the Addenbrookes Blood Donation Centre, or by contacting CADAR.

Currently only 4 per cent of people eligible to give blood actually do so. However, when you give blood you are doing one of the most amazing things possible as you are helping to save lives.

Alex Birley, spokesperson for the NBS said "We are delighted that CADAR are highlighting the importance of giving blood as part of their latest safety campaign."

"Blood collected at donor sessions is used for a wide range of treatments from cancer therapy (i.e. after chemotherapy), routine operations, accidents and emergencies when there is a serious blood loss for example, and in maternity units for both mothers and babies."

Appointments for your local blood donor session can be made by calling 0845 7 711 711 or visiting www.blood.co.uk.

To be potentially able to give blood you must be aged between 17-65, weigh over 7st 12lbs (50kg) and be in good health. However, there is no upper age limit for blood donation if you have donated in the last two years.