NHS Blood and Transplant is appealing for donors to replace those who can’t donate any more, and to make sure it has the right mix of blood groups for patients. The organisation said the process only takes an hour and every one gets a drink and biscuit. Michelle Laserna, senior marketing coordinator at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “The New Year is a time when a lot of people focus on giving things up. “We’re asking people in East Sussex to focus on giving, and to register to give blood. “It’s easy to sign up and book your first appointment using our website and mobile apps. Please don’t just give up something this January. Give life, too.” She said more than half of donors are aged over 45 so it’s important to recruit younger people to donate blood now and in the years to come. NHS Blood and Transplant needs donors from all blood groups and communities but is particularly looking for new donors from black and Asian communities, and donors with the universal blood group O negative, as well as from groups A negative, B negative and AB negative. To book an appointment to donate visit www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 2323 to find your nearest session. Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live. Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on. 1) Make our website your homepage 2) Like our Facebook page 3) Follow us on Twitter 4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here. And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out! Always the first with your local news. Be part of it.