What we do is blood-y brilliant

We don’t want your money, just your blood. 

I’m sure most people are aware that blood banks are important but for anyone who has been involved in a serious operation, you’ll understand just how vital they can be.

It really can mean the difference between life and death.

A blood donor myself, I decided to meet up with Birmingham Bloodsoc and find out what signing up involves.

Having arranged to meet up, I headed down to the station for a trip to the donation centre.

Waiting at the station somewhat anxiously, I got talking to third year history student Shana Hicks, a veteran donor.

She reassured me that a lot of people get nervous before donating.

Shana added: “It’s pretty normal to be feeling worried before going, that’s why we all travel and donate as a group.

“It makes it a lot more sociable and helps you keep distracted, it’s really good for nerves.”

After being soothed by Shana’s calming words, I was glad to see we’d arrived at the vampire’s lair: the donation centre.

To get things started you fill out a quick questionnaire asking: “Have you ever donated blood before? Have you donated blood in the last 4 months? Who wrote the song ‘The Bad Touch’?” 

Once the paperwork is done, you’re given the green light to begin.

Having filled out my form, myself and the rest of the donors waited to have our blood tasted. I mean tested.

By this point I was feeling rather relaxed in the waiting room, perhaps due to the lavish helpings of squash and biscuits which demanded my attention.

Then it was time. I made my way over to “the chair”.

Passing second year Psychologist Nicole De Valliere in the hall, I was given more encouragement.

She said: “I was nervous at first as well, I don’t like needles but if you look away you can’t even tell it is happening.”

Psyched-up by Nicole’s pep talk, I planted myself in the chair.

You feel a small prick to begin with but then you to sit back and then it’s all smooth sailing.

I did try to relax and watch TV. Unfortunately there were just repeats of True Blood and Buffy the Vampire Slayer showing.

Having donated, you are then plied with even more biscuits, crisps, tea, cakes and more. I tried to resist but they just insisted.

Then you even become the proud owner of an “I have donated blood today” sticker, which you can wear around your house with pride.

Third year Maths student and club co-Chair Annabelle Stephenson told me: “We want your blood, but, put simply, every donation saves three lives.

“Can there any more motivation than that?”

The most painful part of the day was actually taking off the plaster, which gives your arm the popular Brazilian look.

Blood Society turned out not to be a vampire occult coven but a group of students that want to get more people on the donation register and make it easier and cheaper to donate.

I met some great people and saved lives. Not to mention the copious amounts of free food.

What can be better than that?

Get involved.