Last week, the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) visited the area to collect donations from kind-hearted residents.

So far this year, there have been 324 donations given in Dumbarton and 375 donations given in the Vale.

Last week, the SNBT visited the Napier Hall in Old Kilpatrick on Thursday evening.

Alison Maung, from SNBTS, told the Reporter: “Our website scotblood.co.uk has a session finder for donors who would like to find an alternative donating opportunity.

“The Can I Donate page is also really helpful for answering any questions that donors may have.

“West Dunbartonshire residents can hold their heads high and be proud of the support they offer the health service.

“On behalf of patients who can’t thank you personally, we would like to say a huge thank you to each and every one of you and we look forward to welcoming you back at one of our future sessions.” There was a mix of both veteran and first-time donors at both sessions. Geraldine Neal, 61, was visiting to give her 47th donation.

Ms Neil told the Reporter: “My blood type is rhesus negative, that means it can be given to babies and also in an emergency when someone has been in a car accident, for example, and they don’t know their type.

“This means when the blood donation team come to the area, I get a follow-up letter on top of the usual donor one and also a phonecall.

“I started giving blood when I was teaching down in England, which was around 30-years-ago. We were told how important it was to donate.” Blood that is donated is split into three parts — red cells, which help treat anaemia and patients short of blood; platelets, which stop bleeding andbruising, and plasma which helps blood clot to stop bleeding.

Geraldine added: “I would encourage people to come forward, it’s not painful at all, and I think people might be frightened by that.

“It’s only half an hour of your time and it can make all the difference to a baby or a person who is seriously injured.” SNBTS will next visit the area in September with a stop at the Concord Centre, Dumbarton on September 4 and two stops in the C.E Centre in Alexandria on September 4 and 5.