Blood donation awareness week begins

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) has begun a campaign to encourage the public to make regular donations.

"Blood for Life Week" was officially started by the Minister of State at the Department of Heath, Mr Lenihan, in St Stephen's Green, Dublin, this morning. It aims to educate the public about the importance of blood donors.

Mark Larkin at the launch in St Stephen's Green this morning. Photo: Matt Kavanagh

He was joined by RTE newsreader Ms Sharon Ni Bheolain and by five-year-old Mark Larkin, who has a bone marrow disorder and relies on monthly blood transfusions to stay alive.

The campaign, which runs until Friday, is the second in a series of annual events.

The IBTS is attempting to reach a donation target of 3,000 units of blood per week.