England stars back blood donor drive

Date released: 7 August 2007

Marylebone Cricket Club wants Lord’s to be pulsating with visitors on Thursday, when anyone can drop into 'The Home of Cricket' to donate blood - as well as watch two matches free of charge.

The initiative is backed by England spin-bowler Ashley Giles, along with Middlesex duo Ed Joyce and Nick Compton.

A National Blood Service (NBS) mobile donor unit will be located within Lord's, close to the Grace Gate entrance. MCC hopes that scores of people will take the opportunity come into the ground, give a pint of blood and, in the process, help save lives.

The Club will be encouraging them to do so by offering free entry to both its men's match on the main ground at Lord's and one of its women's fixtures on the Nursery Ground.

Kids will love the Cricket Factory at Lord's In addition, to attract as many parents as possible, MCC is bringing the 'Cricket Factory' to Lord's. This specially-designed activity zone enables children to take part in cricketing challenges - including batting, bowling and fielding - while receiving free guidance from fully qualified coaches.

MCC hopes that these initiatives will attract as many visitors, and blood donors, as possible.

Lending their support to the plans are Nick Compton of Middlesex and England Lions plus his county colleague Ed Joyce - an England one-day batsman.

Ashley Giles has seen the benefit of blood donors at first hand Another England star who strongly backs the initiative is Ashley Giles, who said: "The National Blood Service does a brilliant job of maintaining blood stocks in the UK, but they rely completely on support from the general public.

"It's essential that we give them all the help we can. The importance of the Service was brought home to me over the winter when my wife - Stine - was rushed to hospital and needed an urgent operation. Anyone requiring surgery should know that hospitals have enough blood available for their every need."

Speaking about the initiative at Lord's Ashley continued: "I'm delighted that an NBS mobile unit is coming to Lord's, for the first time, to make it as easy as possible for individuals to donate blood.

"In the process, they really can help to save lives. I do hope that people will show their support for this excellent initiative."

Keith Bradshaw is encouraging new and old visitors to Lord's MCC's Secretary & Chief Executive, Keith Bradshaw said: "We’re delighted to be welcoming the National Blood Service to Lord’s. Their work is vitally important, so we're proud to be giving them our backing.

"With its mobile donor units, the NBS can visit locations right across the country - including people's workplaces.

"Indeed, it was one of our staff who first suggested that we should invite the NBS to 'The Home of Cricket'. We’ll be encouraging our employees, as well as visitors to the ground, to donate blood on Thursday."

With the 'Open Day' at Lord's offering a range of other facilites for visitors, Keith added: "Blood donation is just one of the activities which will be taking place during our 'Open Day'.

"With two matches for the prices of none, and free cricket coaching for kids, we hope that lots of families will take the chance to come to Lord's.

"I’m confident the day will be a great success, and help to attract first-time and registered blood donors alike."

The Grace Gate entrance to Lord's is located off St John's Wood Road, and next to the Lord's Tavern Bar & Brasserie.

There will be two blood donation sessions: the morning one will run between 9.45am and 12.30pm, with the afternoon session lasting from 2.00pm until 4.30pm. To ensure that as many people as possible are able to donate on the day, National Blood Service encourage people to register in advance.

For details about who can donate and to register online, please visit: www.blood.co.uk.