Gillespie Macandrew’s Edinburgh team aspire to be blood donor “heroes”

This is the quote which inspired thirty of the team from Gillespie Macandrew’s Edinburgh office to donate blood.

Judith Joy, who heads up corporate social responsibility at Gillespie Macandrew, said: “We want as a business to contribute to the wider community and knowing that one of the best things you can do to save lives is to donate blood, we arranged for the Blood Transfusion Service to come to our office. Most of our team responded enthusiastically and feedback has been so positive that we will do it again next year.”

Some of the feedback comments from staff included: “I hadn’t given blood in over 10 years and thought that I couldn’t. I was absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to donate and am honest enough with myself to know that I’d never have got round to it otherwise.”

“I would definitely donate again and thought that it was a really good idea having it here as it certainly makes it easier to donate. I thought the staff were skilled and kept me distracted from what was actually happening.”

“Yes, I would happily do it again. I was ashamed that it was over 30 years since I last donated blood. Having the unit come to me made it very easy.”

Rosie Dixon Morant, donor services S/E programme planning officer for the Blood Transfusion Service said: “The day went really well and we were very happy. There was 30 total attends (10 of which were new donors) with 25 complete donations made. We will make this an annual visit and will be planning our visit for 2016/17.”