The Welsh Blood Service has introduced a new Christmas campaign, 'the best gift', to raise awareness.

Last December over 1,600 donations of blood and blood products were needed across Anglesey, Denbighshire, Gwynedd, Wrexham, Conwy and Flintshire to provide care to patients at Ysbyty Gwynedd, Glan Clwyd and Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

These donations play a vital role by supporting a range of treatments from helping recovering accident victims and patients with blood cancers to supporting mothers and new-born babies during childbirth.

Alan Prosser, director of the Welsh Blood Service, said: "Blood products have a short shelf life and is needed by hospitals 365 days a year, including Christmas day, to help support patients in need, which is why we can't stop collecting.”

"It is critical the service prepares. We need to build up blood stocks ahead of a potentially challenging winter, where seasonal illnesses and Covid-19 may exacerbate the usual winter pressures faced by the NHS.

"We are reaching out to communities across Wales to ask them to make a lifesaving blood donation and give 'the best gift' this festive season."

If you are aged 17 or over, book to give blood at: www.wbs.wales/Xmas21 or call 0800 252 266.

Appointments are available in Denbighshire on 1 December in Rhyl, 9 December in Llangollen, 10 January in Rhewl Pavillion, 19 January in Denbigh and 24 January in Prestatyn.

Appointments are available in Flintshire on 17 January in Buckley, 15 January in Mancot and 31 January in Mold.

Appointments are available in Wrexham on 15, 20 and 31 December and January 5 in Chirk, 17, 23, 24 and 29 December and 7, 13, 14 and 21 January in Wrexham (St Margaret's Church) and January 4 and 28 in Rhosllanerchrugog.