Alton Towers Resort will be offering free blood type testing to visitors this month in a bid to drive donations as supplies run critically low going into the winter
Alton Towers Resort is joining forces with the NHS to combat the critical shortage of blood donors this winter.
This comes as blood supplies have plummeted to an all-time low, prompting the NHS in England to issue an amber warning for only the second time in its history, earlier this year.
The collaboration with NHS Blood and Transplant will see their expert teams conduct free blood testing for visitors to Alton Towers Resort on 18 October, during the Scarefest event, which began on Friday (October 11). The test involves a quick finger prick that allows the NHS to determine your blood type.
The NHS requires nearly 5,000 people to donate blood daily to meet the demands of hospitals and patients. Identifying blood types is crucial in driving donations and helps the NHS identify those with rarer blood types such as O negative, which is particularly scarce. O negative is known as the universal blood type as it can be given to almost anyone and is essential in emergencies. Just eight per cent of the population have it but it accounts for 15 per cent of hospital usage.
This testing is the latest initiative in Alton Towers Resort’s ongoing collaboration with NHS Blood and Transplant, which has seen the theme park offer volunteer opportunities for its 2,000 employees, all aimed at increasing blood donations nationwide.
Alton Towers has launched the initiative which allows visitors to contribute to the UK’s blood supplies just by enjoying a ride on Nemesis Reborn. During the spooky season of Scarefest, adrenaline junkies can experience 80 seconds of heart-pumping excitement on the coaster at night, with the bonus that blood test results can be obtained in a rapid 60 seconds.
Alongside tackling the legendary Nemesis Reborn, this year’s Scarefest attendees can brave the new horror labyrinth COMPOUND, home to the mysterious Phalanx organization rumored to dabble in the actual beast’s DNA.
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Dr Jo Farrar, Chief Executive of NHS Blood and Transplant, commented: “As we face one of the potentially most challenging winters in our recent history, it’s vital we continue to find new ways to bring in new donors. We know that by encouraging people to get their blood typed, people are more likely to donate. By partnering with Alton Towers we hope to be able to drive more donations that will help save patients’ lives.”
From Alton Towers Resort, divisional director Bianca Sammut said: “At Alton Towers Resort we entertain countless millions of visitors a year through our stand-out attractions. This Scarefest we’re immensely proud to announce our new partnership with NHS Blood & Transplant to help them drive donations as supplies run critically low.
“We’d encourage as many guests as possible to take advantage of the blood testing facilities on site, there’s a huge demand for donors so knowing if you’re eligible to donate is the crucial first step.”
