Elaine Dunphy donated blood for the very first time last week when the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) visited Kirkintilloch Miners Welfare.

Devoted mum Elaine felt compelled to donate after watching her son Fife (14) undergo agonising treatment for leukaemia over the last year.

She said: "This is the least I can do after all that Fife has been through.

"I was panicking at the thought of giving blood, but it was easy. Donating gives you a real feel good factor.

"Without the blood donations and platelet transfusions Fife would die, it's as simple as that.

"I would like to thank everyone who already donates and encourage others to face their fears and help save a life."

Many of Elaine's friends and family members were inspired by her campaign and went along to give blood during the session in Kirkintilloch.

Another local who responded to Elaine's appeal featured in the Herald was Strathkelvin and Bearsden MSP David Whitton.

Mr Whitton said: "I read the story about Fife in the Kirkintilloch Herald and thought I must go along.

"It was good to see a lot of people there. Hopefully the appeal in the Herald prompted them to take part.

"It's a great thing to do and each pint is precious."

During the session, Fife was introduced to Kirkintilloch donor James Burnett. James shares a blood group - O-negative - with the teenager.

James (56) has donated 79 times and was touched to meet a potential recipient of his blood face-to-face.

He said: "Levels of my blood group are low so it makes me want to donate. It is less than an hour out of your day once every few months. Surely a life is worth that?

"I wish Fife the best of luck with the rest of his treatment."

Donor recruitment officer Janey Grier praised Elaine for her campaign and hopes other people will be moved to donate.

She said: "Over the last few weeks our stocks of blood have fallen dangerously low.

"Some months are critical for us. There is a big decline in people coming along."

She added: "Staff have said that Fife's visit has re-emphasised to them why their work is so important.

"I am delighted to say that in the session at Kirkintilloch Miners we welcomed 38 new donors. That's double what we expected. Many of them came along thanks to Elaine's appeal in the Herald."

Only five per cent of the population gives blood, however, everyone expects blood to be available if they need it.

When the SNBTS first visited Kirkintilloch in 1961 more than 752 donors attended and more than 660 units were donated.

In May 2008, that figure had dropped to 256 volunteers and 189 units.
Dr Moira Carter, SNBTS donor services manager, says the aging population will create more patients than donors can support in the future, as the number of transfusions increases dramatically with age.

She added: "We urgently need more new donors to come forward to allow us to expand the number in Scotland so we have enough for the long term."