Simon Danczuk praises Rochdale’s ‘life-savers’‏

Simon Danczuk with Eric Watson at the blood donation session

Rochdale’s MP has thanked the hundreds of Rochdale life-savers who give blood.

Speaking after giving blood at Rochdale Football Club, Simon Danczuk said he was delighted to learn that Rochdale was one of the busiest NHS blood donation sessions in Greater Manchester.

“Over 100 people gave blood in Rochdale on Monday (9 February) and I know that many more do this regularly,” he said. “Every day hospitals in England and North Wales need around 6,100 blood donations to treat patients in urgent need, so their contribution is immense. They literally save lives.”

Among the blood donors that Mr Danczuk met on Monday was 72-year-old Eric Watson who has given blood 91 times.

“My dad encouraged me to give blood in 1963 and I’ve been giving blood ever since,” the Shawclough resident said. “I do it three or four times a year and I do it because I want to give something back to the NHS.”

Adding that the need for blood was something people didn’t think about until they saw the difference it made to them or their family in a life threatening situation, Mr Danczuk urged others to follow Watson’s lead.

“There are many unsung Rochdale heroes and Eric Watson is one of them,” he said. “Every time you give blood you can save or improve up to three lives.”