Today marks three years since the launch of the ‘Blood, Sweat and Cheers’ campaign between the Welsh Blood Service and the Football Association of Wales.
The campaign, which harnesses the support of clubs across the JD Cymru Leagues and Genero Adran Leagues, has been transformative in its impact with 2,901 lives potentially saved as a result.
Over the last three years, clubs across Wales have been encouraging fans to support the campaign both on and off the pitch to highlight the importance of donating blood, platelets and bone marrow.
These lifesaving products can only come from volunteer donors and are required to help patients including those involved in accidents, organ transplants, pregnancy and certain types of cancer such as leukaemia. 350 blood donations are needed daily to supply 20 hospitals in Wales with enough blood to support lifesaving procedures for patients.
Since the start of the 2022/23 season, the Welsh Blood Service has also been the title sponsor of the men’s Tier 2 league cup. Barry Town United lifted the trophy in the inaugural final earlier this year.
FAW CEO Noel Mooney, who became a blood donor in the summer, said: “In each community across Cymru there are people whose lives have been saved or improved thanks to donations, and we continue to call on football fans to get involved and become lifesaving champions.
“The Welsh Blood Service is our first community partner for the JD Cymru Leagues and Genero Adran Leagues, and we’re delighted to have made and retained such an important signing. Football really does save lives!”
Alan Prosser, Welsh Blood Service Director, said: “Having the support of the FAW, the Leagues, and their fans has been critical in helping us highlight the need for more donors. The campaign has exceeded all our expectations and continues to grow, with nearly 70 clubs now participating.
“Our challenge is to recruit 11,000 new donors each year, and we’re hoping by continuing to promote such a good cause, the campaign will continue to help patients in need for years to come.
“Each year, the Service aims to recruit 4,000 17 to 30-year-olds to join the Welsh Bone Marrow Donor Registry and help improve outcomes for blood cancer patients. There are two ways to join, by asking to join when donating blood or by requesting a swab kit through our website. The kits are delivered right to your door, making joining easier than ever before.”
Find out more about signing up to donate blood by visiting: wbs.wales/football
