On the evening of 16th December 2015 a Leith Rugby XV will represent the club in our community in a fixture which is the first of it’s kind. In this match, grown men will feel pain, some will go weak at the knees and much blood will be shed.

However on this occasion there is no opposition, and there are only winners. The XV who have put their hands up will be donating blood at Leith Town Hall as The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service visit our community asking for willing volunteers.

Blood is a precious commodity; you can’t buy it and as yet we can’t make a suitable replacement in a lab. Everyday, lives are saved because doctors can access blood that has been kindly donated by those who receive nothing more than a cup of tea and one (or two) caramel wafers in return.

So a big thanks to all those from the squad who have volunteered. Those who receive your blood will range from the newborns, to their mothers who have lost blood in childbirth, those who have been involved in accidents, and countless surgical patients. They are unable to thank you in person, but are very grateful, I am sure.

The session gets going at Leith Town Hall on 16th December at 1700. Given the work commitments of our team members we plan on assembling there at 1800. Anyone who has not yet volunteered can still get involved. Check out the SNBTS Website to see if you are a potential donor, or email the club.

Dr Chris Hoy, Flanker.