Chesterfield FC is appealing for local people to come forward to save lives during winter 2009/10 by giving blood.

The Spireites are supporting the campaign by the NHS Blood and Transplant Service to build up vital stocks of blood by encouraging volunteers to enrol or visit the next blood donor session in Chesterfield.

Every day, blood enables doctors to save the lives of patients in emergencies, to help mothers and premature babies survive childbirth, to help patients beat certain cancers, and to make planned operations possible.  But blood is only there if people give it.

Chesterfield players are now urging local people, who would like to become one of Chesterfield's lifesavers, to enrol or visit the next blood donor session at the town's Winding Wheel Exhibition Centre on Monday 14 December 2009, 11.00am to 1.15pm, 2.30pm to 4.00pm or 4.45pm to 7.15pm.

Spireites defender Aaron Downes said: "Giving blood is safe, quick and simple and most people can give it."

If you are in general good health, between 17 and 65, and weigh at least 50kg (7st 12lbs), you could start giving blood straightaway.

For more information and details of other local sessions, or to enrol as a blood donor call 0300 123 23 23, or visit the website www.blood.co.uk

The NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is a Special Health Authority in the NHS. It is the organ donor organisation for the UK and is responsible for matching and allocating donated organs. Its remit also includes the provision of a reliable, efficient supply of blood and associated services to the NHS through the National Blood Service (NBS).