A NEW appeal for blood donors has been launched following a sudden shortfall in supplies in the wake of Wimbledon mania and the onset of summer.

Donations across all blood groups have dropped by 11 per cent during the last two weeks compared to the Wimbledon fortnight in 2012.

But the fall was particularly steep on Sunday with a 31 per cent decline compared to the same day last year.

Jon Latham, assistant director for marketing at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “Summer finally arrived, temperatures and hopes rose during Wimbledon and blood donations fell.

“Stocks of blood for vulnerable blood groups – O Rh negative and B Rh negative – are lower than we would like them to be and I’m asking blood donors with those two groups in particular, to walk in and donate now.

“By doing so you can help us replenish vital stocks and ensure that we can continue to meet the needs of patients.”

How to help the campaign:

Donors with blood group O are typically known as the universal donor as their blood can be given to patients with a different blood group.

Approximately seven per cent of the population have this blood group.

Donors with the blood group B- are more often found in Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities.

Only two per cent of the population has this blood group and these donors are needed in particular as there has been an increase in usage.

First time donors should be aged between 17-65, weighing at least 50 kg (7 stone 12lbs) and in general good health.

There is no upper age limit for donors who have donated in the last two years. For more information or to book an appointment, visit blood.co.uk or contact 0300 123 23 23.