Our three year old daughter, Poppy became unwell in March. Her symptoms were relatively common – a pale complexion, a racing heartbeat and a high temperature. It could have been any number of things. Unfortunately, it was Leukaemia. The care we have been given by the NHS has been incredible, and Poppy was diagnosed within a week, with chemotherapy treatment beginning on the eighth day of her feeling unwell.

Poppy has endured numerous tests and treatment for three months, and has a further two years of treatment to go. On admission to hospital, she was given a blood transfusion to lower her heart rate and improve her wellbeing. The transformation in our little girl was remarkable – I watched the colour flood back into her cheeks and her energy levels rise before my eyes. It was a very humbling experience watching Poppy receive a unit of blood, knowing that it was made possible by the donation of a complete stranger.

Before becoming unwell, Poppy was a happy, healthy three year old. We had no idea of the direction our lives would take this year and there was certainly no clue that we would be reliant on the kindness of strangers to quite possibly contribute to saving Poppy’s life. Each time you give blood, you are potentially saving up to three lives. That’s something worth making an appointment for, don’t you think?

It’s very simple to register your details on the NHS website www.blood.co.uk and search for a suitable appointment in your local area. On the day of your donation, there will be plenty of friendly, helpful staff to make you feel at ease even if you’re feeling a bit nervous. Knowing all of the things that Poppy endures throughout her treatment makes me feel braver when attending my own appointments. We’re indebted to the unknown people who donated the blood which revitalised Poppy. By donating your blood, one day you will be helping save the life of someone else’s special someone. And who knows? In the future, it may be you or your own special someone who needs to receive blood.

Blood supplies are needed all of the time to replenish the stock being used to save lives across the country. Blood donations are used to treat medical conditions including anaemia, cancer and blood disorders, as well as during surgery and blood loss after childbirth. Unlike most resources, which are available to purchase, this system is entirely reliant on donations.

In particular, donations are urgently required for donors with O negative or B negative blood groups. O negative is known as the ‘universal’ blood group and is used in emergency situations, when a patient’s blood group is unknown, so it’s vital that this resource is readily available to those who need it.

Leukaemia is a type of blood cancer that affects blood cells. Poppy has already received two blood transfusions and is likely to receive many more throughout her treatment. With the support of our family and friends, we are trying hard to remain positive throughout Poppy’s two year treatment plan. One of the ways we are asking people to help is by giving blood. We’re keeping tallies of the people who have been inspired by Poppy’s story to donate and would love to hear from you if we’ve inspired you too. You can contact us through our website and follow our family as we face cancer together at www.hellosweetp.co.uk. Our tally has reached 20 people so far, helping to save the lives of up to 60 people.

Thanks for reading. Do something amazing. Give blood.