Blood donors across London have been urged to come forward after the usual slump in donations over the festive period.
The Ro blood-type, most common in people of black heritage, is one of those in most demand as it can help treat people with sickle cell disease. In December 2023, the most recent available figures covering a festive period, the total amount of blood collected was at its lowest monthly total since 2020 at the height of the pandemic, according to figures from the donation service.