‘This is desperately needed’: Zoe Ball heaps praise on the ‘incredible’ NHS as she gives blood and urges others to continue to donate amid coronavirus crisis
Zoe Ball revealed she’s given blood and pleaded with her social media followers to continue to donate amid the coronavirus pandemic.
In a touching post shared to Instagram on Thursday, the TV and radio host, 49, heaped praise on the ‘incredible’ NHS as she insisted that ‘blood is still desperately needed’ during the global crisis.
The brave BBC star put on a cheery display alongside a nurse as she flashed a thumbs up sign while her left arm was hooked up to a monitor in a series of beaming images.
‘This is desperately needed’: Zoe Ball revealed she’s given blood and pleaded with her social media followers to continue to donate amid the coronavirus pandemic
It Takes Two presenter Zoe, who first became a blood donor in June last year, wrote: ‘Just given blood – thank you to Kevin, Sandra & team at West End Donor Centre.
‘Always thanks to all the incredible NHS workers. PLEASE #keepdonating if you are able. Blood is still desperately needed #nhs #giveblood.’
Detailing the current guidelines, the broadcaster added: ‘Please keep donating blood as normal (unless you are ill).
‘Travelling to donate blood is classed as essential for the NHS... Extra safety measures are in place at blood donation sessions.
Reaching out: In a touching post shared to Instagram on Thursday, the TV and radio host, 49, insisted ‘blood is still desperately needed’ during the global crisis
‘Crucially: Blood donation saves lives. #keepdonating… you can sign up to give blood at blood.co.uk.’ [sic]
Earlier this week, the NHS Blood and Transplant service encouraged donors to continue to donate and revealed there hasn’t been confirmed cases of coronavirus being transmitted through the process.
The service told Evening Standard: ‘Our stock levels are currently good. However we need donors to keep donating as normal and to follow the health, hygiene and travel advice. Travel to blood donation sessions is essential
‘Donation will help keep stocks healthy so we are well prepared for the impact of the coronavirus.
Cheery: Donor carer Kevin pictured holding Zoe’s blood following her appointment
‘Thank you to Kevin, Sandra & team at West End Donor’: The broadcaster also heaped praise on the ‘incredible’ NHS
‘We’re regularly reviewing the situation and working closely with the DHSC, PHE, and the UK’s other blood donation services. We’re putting in place extra safety measures and safety is always our number one priority.’
According to the NHS, hospitals in the UK need a staggering 6,000 blood donations every day.
Coronavirus was classed a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) last week, leading countries such as Italy, Spain and China implementing nationwide lockdowns.
Generous: It Takes Two presenter Zoe first became a blood donor in June last year (pictured)
As of Thursday, 104 people have died out of 2,626 confirmed cases in the UK.
Sporting events, music festival and other social gatherings have been either cancelled or postponed due to the crisis.
Nearly 200,000 people around the world have been infected and almost 8,000 have died since the outbreak began last December.