The blood service needs more blood. It has thanked New Zealanders for responding to a campaign that called for more blood donors – in particular type “O” and type “A” blood donors -- but there's still a bit of a shortage.

They are the two blood types that are the most in demand here. 85 per cent of us are either A or O and so that's where there is the greatest demand. And a number of organisations responded to this campaign, and some 2000 people signed up to become first-time blood donors in the space of 10 days.

What do 2000 extra donors equate to? The blood service says they have the potential to save or improve the lives of up to 6000 people.

The donor target the service is aiming for is 10,000 first-time donors, so there's still a way to go. At the moment, 110,000 Kiwis are on the blood donor database, and about 42,000 people need blood products every year.

I can’t give blood because I lived in the UK in the early 90s – and that was when ‘Variant Creutzfeldt-Jacob’ disease was about – otherwise known, of course as Mad Cow Disease. So if you lived in the UK, France or Ireland between 1980 and 1996, then you are permanently deferred from donating blood in New Zealand. Apparently there's a slim chance you can carry the infection even though you may never develop the disease, but you can pass it on through your blood. I know, it’s a pleasant thought, isn’t it. But there are tight regulations on blood donations and for very good reason, so unfortunately I can't donate.

But my late father was someone who benefited hugely from the blood service. He was ill for some years and every two weeks he received at least two bags of blood to keep him alive. His condition meant that his blood type morphed and so blood was often flown in from around the country. I remember Dad called me once from Canterbury and he told me he was a bit worried he was suddenly going to start supporting the Chiefs because he’d just received blood from the Waikato.

No such luck. He was a Cantabrian through, and through.

But as someone who has had a loved one kept alive because of the kindness of others, and the willingness of people to give blood, I can't tell you how important this service is -- but it's a service you don't really think about until you need it.

Every week we need 3000 people to donate blood to keep up with the demand.

28 per cent of blood products are used to treat cancer.

18 per cent for accident victims.

6 per cent for babies and pregnant women.

It takes between 5 and 14 minutes to give blood -- and that one donation can save the lives of three people.

If you have thought about becoming a blood donor, or it's something you've been meaning to get around but you haven't quite yet, talk to your doctor or have a look online.

nzblood.co.nz – and you can check if you are eligible.