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More than 180 people gave blood at a donation hub set up at Pontllanfraith Leisure Centre.

The hub was set up at the leisure centre on October 7 and October 8.

In total, 181 people gave blood, of which nine had never given blood before.

Meanwhile, three people signed up to the Welsh Bone Marrow Registry while at the leisure centre to give blood.

The sessions were run by the Welsh Blood Service, which said the amount of blood donated is enough to potentially save 543 people, or 1,086 newborn babies.

Donation hubs at Newbridge Leisure Centre, which will be set up on Monday (October 26) and Tuesday, are already fully booked.

Despite the fact the Newbridge sessions will be held after Wales enters the firebreak lockdown, travelling to give blood is still considered essential travel.

Alan Prosser, director of the Welsh Blood Service, said: “We want every donor to know that travel to a blood donation venue throughout the forthcoming Wales-wide firebreak, and any subsequent regional lockdown that is implemented, is considered essential travel under Welsh Government guidance.

“Throughout the pandemic, donors have continued to go even further out of their way than they usually would just to make a potentially lifesaving donation and we cannot thank them enough for their continued support.

“Blood stocks in Wales have remained healthy throughout the pandemic thanks to the commitment of new and existing donors but we need people to keep giving blood to ensure we can continue to meet hospital demand in the coming months.” 

For more information about the Welsh Blood Service, visit welshblood.org.uk or call 0800 252266.