Discover where to donate blood in Fife during the season of giving

There are also opportunities to donate at Buckhaven Community Centre on the 16th of December (140 appointments), Strathmiglo Public Hall on the 18th of December (81 appointments), and Adam Smith Hall in Kirkcaldy on the 8th of December and 12th of January (125 appointments).

Further sessions include Cupar YMCA on the 8th and 11th of December (107 appointments), Kingswood Hotel in Burntisland on the 15th of December (100 appointments), Dalgety Bay Sports and Leisure Centre on the 6th of January (160 appointments), and Parkgate Community Centre in Rosyth on the 17th of December (80 appointments).

It’s part of a national campaign as SNBTS want people across Scotland to register as a blood donor, as new figures show the number of people actively donating has fallen from around three per cent of the population to under two per cent.

Pauline Stewart, Interim Head of Territory at SNBTS, said “Every day, Scotland needs around 450 blood donors to meet the needs of patients in hospitals across the country.

“With such a high demand for blood, donors in Central Fife area have a unique opportunity to make a powerful difference.

“However, fewer people are donating than before, and that puts pressure on Scotland’s blood supply. I am urging both new and returning donors to come forward to help ensure lifesaving blood is always available.

Baby Alexandria was intubated at birth, needed oxygen support at home, and received four blood transfusions (Image: Supplied)

“The fact that less than two per cent of the population are actively giving blood is a concerning trend. In the last 10 years we have seen a drop of 24 per cent - which is just under 30,000 donors.

“We are also seeing a particular challenge around younger people coming forward. The blood supply has been maintained by our regular donors giving more often, but we really need new donors, or those who have not given for some time, to come forward.

“We know that a key reason for this decline is simply lack of awareness about the importance of blood donation.

“To meet this need, we have had more than 900 community collections this year, visiting 248 communities across Scotland.. We are reaching out to young people via schools, universities, and communities across Scotland.”

One person who knows just how critical blood donations can be is mum Nicolle Hollick.

Two people who know just how critical blood donations can be are Nicolle Hollick and her daughter Alexandria (Image: Supplied)

Nicolle said: “Our beautiful little girl Alexandria Allyson decided she just couldn't wait come into the world.

“After a few weeks of me being in hospital she was born via emergency C-section at the Queen Elizabeth in Glasgow in January. She was born at only 26 weeks weighing 2.1lbs, so she was very tiny and very early.

“After 102 days in hospital, in July this year, we brought our baby home. She had been through so much in her wee life already. She was intubated at birth, needed oxygen support at home, and received four blood transfusions.

“Her dad Dan and I believe she is our total miracle and our warrior princess. We absolutely cannot wait to celebrate her first Christmas.

“She never gave up. To the blood donors who helped give her a chance at life – thank you for giving us our world.”

Pauline added: “We are pleased to have baby Alexandria supporting our campaign – she is a reminder that the need for blood can impact any family.”

Appointments can be booked online at www.scotblood.co.uk or by calling 0345 90 90 999.