Blood donors urgently needed

A drop of red over Christmas could save the life of an Australian cancer patient.

The Blood Service needs more than 5000 people to donate blood between December 24 and 31 to prevent a critical shortage of the components used daily by cancer patients.

The shortfall is due to many people taking holidays and not knowing of the ongoing need for blood donations, says Blood Service spokesman Shaun Inguanzo.

A part of blood, platelets, only has a shelf life of a few days and is pivotal in preventing internal bleeding in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

It can't be stockpiled over holiday periods, meaning donors are needed every day.

"An hour of your time could mean a lifetime to a patient in need this Christmas," Mr Inguanzo said.

To make an appointment ring 13 14 95.

WHERE DONORS ARE NEEDED

NSW/ACT 1500

VIC/TAS 1300

QLD 1500

SA/NT 550

WA 400