Fifty of St John Ambulance’s badgers and cadets across Wisbech designed moving thank-you cards to donors following an educational talk from the National Blood Service (NBS), in which they heard how vital every donation can be to help give patients a new lease of life.

Blood donors at sessions in Wisbech will be able to read thank-you messages from the group at forthcoming blood donor sessions.

Inspiration for many of the designs came from the visit of the NBS’s mascot, Billy Blood Drop, who was a big hit with the badgers and cadets, who range from five to 18 years old.

Spokesman for the NBS in Cambridgeshire Gareth Bell said: “It is great we are able to educate people at this age as they are our donors of the future.

“We have a dedicated pool of donors in Wisbech but during the summer months donations tend to drop as people’s attention is diverted to their holidays and outdoor activities.

“I’m sure all our donors will appreciate the heartfelt thanks in the cards at sessions and will prove to be a timely reminder what a fantastic thing they do each time they give a pint of the ‘red stuff’.”

Cadets and badgers have been also encouraging their parents to take up the challenge this summer and give blood, as currently only one out of every 25 people who could give blood actually do so.

Leader of the Wisbech St John Ambulance cadets Leila Bosson said: “They made a thank-you card for people giving blood.

“I like to have the blood service round at least once a year to interact with the children and let them know what blood is all about.

“Hopefully, they will remember and tell their parents, so more people will give blood.”

The next chance to give blood in the area is on Monday, from 10am to 12.30pm and again from 2pm to 4.30pm at the Elme Hall Hotel Ballroom, 69 Elm High Road.

Each year, 50,000 units of blood are needed to help patients in Cambridgeshire alone and the NBS must collect 7,000 units each day to keep hospitals in good supply.

In most cases, anyone aged 17 to 60, who weighs over 7st 12lb (50kg), in general good health can support the NBS’ summer give blood campaign. Regular donors can donate up until their 70th birthday.

n For more information, and to book an appointment, call the Donor Helpline on 08457 711711 or visit www.blood.co.uk