How to give blood
How I did it: I had been wanting to donate for a LONG time, since I was too young to do so, because I love the idea of being able to directly help someone else. Alas, upon turning 17 I found out I had anemia and therefore was inable to donate. This continued until recently and I was able to give blood in late September 2009.
In my case I knew previously that I was too light to donate (I was 7stone 10, with the minimum in the UK being 7stone 12). I definately felt the effects of this- while the donation itself was fine it took me 3 attempts to get out of the mobile van as I felt very faint- twice being made to go and lie down again by the nurses until eventually I was the only one there, and having my mum to come and collect me.
Nevertheless I was fine again after a short while and have booked another appointment 2nd of Jan, as soon as I was able to- I'm sure that due to good old Christmas I'll be more than heavy enough!
Lessons & tips: Make sure you satisfy all the requirements they want. They didn't ask me about my weight so if you think you're under check it yourself first, it really does have an effect!
Resources: The giving blood donation website.
