A teenager is urging young people to 'give back' to society — by donating blood.

Cornell Fox, 17, has just started donating blood to the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital blood bank after being inspired by his father, Cornell Snr, who has donated blood for years.

The teenager also wanted to be featured in this paper to try and encourage the younger generation to start giving back in one of the easiest ways possible.

"It's not as scary as some people thing it is. It's painless and it's quick," Cornell Jnr said when asked recently what message he wanted to convey.

One person, who asked not to be identified, relies on blood donors to keep him alive and has spoken about the regular transfusions he requires just to breathe. The man, who is in his mid-80s, requires four pints of blood every five weeks in order to complete even the smallest activity.

A blood donor for several years, he is thankful now, when he is unable to donate any longer because of the inability of his bone marrow to produce red blood cells, the public has come to his rescue.

"Thank you for your selfless act intended for the benefit of sufferers like me — unknown to you.

"I wish I could contribute toward giving you all an appropriately modest badge or pin of recognition," he said. "We would then be able to spot people to thank in person and others maybe inspired to joining your ranks as donors."

The Blood Donor Centre, which is run jointly by Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) and Bermuda Red Cross at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital was set up in 1965 and has about 40 Red Cross volunteers who regularly help BHB nursing staff and technologists in the clinics.

It is now getting even easier and quicker for blood donors, according to Betsie Lombard, Medical Director of the Blood Transfusion Service, who wanted to thank the senior management of the Bermuda Hospitals Board for donating six of their parking spaces.

"I would really like to acknowledge the senior management who gave up their parking spaces. It shows that they truly recognise the importance of blood donors," she said.

These six spots are reserved for the blood donors on the three days a week the blood bank is open.

Thirteen new donors who have recently signed up — six of whom showed-up because of reading about the scheme in this newspaper — will easily find a spot to park as they help save lives on the Island.

But Ms Lombard said that, while 13 donors is fantastic and she wanted to thank them, she also wanted to encourage others to come forward because the blood bank needs at least 50 pints a week.

Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. the blood bank is open and those interested in helping should contact them at 236-5067 for an appointment.