'A tiny, little pin-prick means the world to those in need'

The thought of donating blood for the first time can be quite daunting, but the fleeting pain of a little pin-prick is well worth it, writes Philip Cunnington.

- Philip Cunnington

For something which can, literally, save lives, giving blood is surprisingly simple.

You can sign up with the NHS Blood and Transplant Service online, find a nearby donation centre online – even book an appointment online.

From there, you'll be sent a letter, together with a form you need to fill in before you go to donate, confirming you're fit and healthy.

Once you're at the donation centre, actually giving blood usually takes less than an hour. You'll be asked to drink some water while you wait to have a brief chat with nurse, who will take a pin-prick of blood from the end of your finger - again, just to check you're fit and healthy and able to donate.