New blood to the challenge

Twelve members of New Entry Officers’ Course 67 have rolled up their sleeves to donate blood at the Nowra Mobile Donor site.

CAPTION: Members of New Entry Officer Course 67 contribute to the Defence Blood Challenge by donating blood at the mobile blood centre, Nowra. Story by Sub-Lieutenant Tahlia Merigan. Photo by Petty Officer Justin Brown.

The event was organised by Midshipman Lukas Balle Hosking, who encouraged more than half of the 12 participants to donate blood for the first time.

Midshipman Balle Hosking organised the blood drive to expose HMAS Creswell trainees to a cause Defence holds great pride in running each year.

“Each new member that registers to donate is a potential life-time donor. It’s great to see so many eager trainees coming forward to roll up their sleeves and show their support,” Midshipman Balle Hosking said.

“Within Navy and in the Royal Australian Navy College we are taught about the importance of giving back to the communities we serve, and donating blood is an important way we can all support Australians in need of blood.”

Defence personnel will aim to give more than 11,000 donations of lifesaving blood or plasma during the challenge.

“We are hoping the 12 more donations added to Team Navy’s tally in the Defence Blood Challenge will help push the total tally closer to the goal,” Midshipman Balle Hosking said.

A single blood donation can save the lives of up to three Australians, and the gift of plasma can be used to treat patients with serious burns, cancer or brain disease.

One of the new donors, Midshipman Riann Greyling, said giving blood was something he had been meaning to do for years.

“Being afforded this opportunity through the Navy was the avenue for me to give back to the community,” Midshipman Greyling said.

The Defence Blood Challenge finishes December 8.

To donate, visit a Blood Service Mobile Donor van at your Defence establishment or visit your nearest Lifeblood donor centre.

CAPTION: Sub Lieutenant’s Tahlia Merigan and Dale McKellar contribute to the Defence Blood Challenge. Photo by Petty Officer Justin Brown.

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