AT just 18-years-old and in her first year of being able to be a donor, Olivia Fischer this week rolled up her sleeve to donate blood for the second time.

Miss Fischer, on break from university, was one of many who visited the Red Cross building on Tuesday to donate around half a litre of blood that could save the lives of up to three people.

She said she one day decided to donate after noticing the Red Cross van at her university and said her family were now talking about becoming donors as a result.

“It’s just an easy thing, it doesn’t take much and one donation can help three people,” she said.

On hand to help the young woman were life-long friends and veteran volunteers Lilian McBean and Barbara Reid who have been performing their blood-related duties for the past 20 years.

Mrs McBean – who once held the title of “stripper” and was responsible for stripping away the tubes from the bags of blood, said she decided to become a volunteer two decades ago when she would accompany her husband to donate.

Many of the duties she and Mrs Reid used to perform at the blood bank, including rocking the blood bags to prevent clotting, are now performed by machines but the two are always kept busy.

Mrs McBean comforts donors with a friendly face and a chat and Mrs Reid is often found sorting donations.

Donor Facts

The Red Cross Blood service visits Warwick on the third Tuesday of each month.

Donors can donate every 12 weeks

Within 24-48 hours of donating, your blood volume is completely restored

Prepare for your donation by drinking plenty of fluids and eating a meal.