Around 20 squad members donated blood a few weeks ago up at Lansdown after learning about the constant transfusions that Club President Tony Mutlow experienced which helped to prolong his life.

They encourage any other players to follow a similar pattern as the NHS welcomes all blood donors to help save others. Not recommended is going along the road to the nearest pub for a few pints of something alcoholic afterwards but remember we are talking about rugby players here!

A few pieces of information from the NHS below .....

Helping people with cancer
* People with cancer may require transfusions of red blood cells, plasma, platelets or all three for a variety of different reasons.
* Transfusions help people with cancer to continue treatment and to help them remain well. In the case of a stem cell transplant - it can directly save their life.
* That’s where you come in – whether you donate blood, plasma, platelets or stem cells you could be giving someone with cancer the chance to combat it.

Why donations matters for people with cancer
Cancer and cancer treatment can affect the body’s ability to produce healthy blood cells. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and some cancers of the blood or bone marrow can lower blood counts or damage the immune system.

Donations can:
* replace red blood cells so oxygen can be carried around the body
*reduce the risk of serious bleeding by restoring platelet levels
* support the immune system using plasma
* provide stem cells to rebuild healthy bone marrow
* For many patients, these treatments are lifesaving.

How different blood components help in cancer treatment
Blood
* People with cancer may need red blood cell transfusions if their levels are low. Low red blood cell counts (anaemia) can cause extreme tiredness, breathlessness and dizziness.
* Transfusions can help people: feel stronger and less fatigued, continue chemotherapy or radiotherapy safely, recover after surgery or intensive treatment
* Blood has a limited shelf life of 35 days, meaning donations are needed all year round to ensure hospitals have the blood they need, when they need it.

Platelets
Platelets help the blood to clot. Cancer and cancer treatments can reduce platelet levels, increasing the risk of bleeding.

Platelet transfusions are often needed: during chemotherapy or stem cell treatment before or after surgery; when platelet levels drop to unsafe levels;Platelets last just 7 days, so regular donations are always needed.

Stem cells
Stem cells are found in the bone marrow and help make new blood cells. Some cancers, such as leukaemia and lymphoma, affect the bone marrow.

A stem cell transplant can: replace damaged bone marrow; allow the body to make healthy blood cells again; offer a potential cure for some blood cancers; Patients need a closely matched donor. Many stem cell donors are recruited from blood donors.

Plasma
Plasma is the part of your blood that carries platelets, red blood cells and white blood cells around the body. It also contains antibodies which fight infections.

Plasma transfusions can help people with cancer who: have weakened immune systems; develop infections during treatment; experience problems with blood clotting