MP John Healey is to give blood to help raise awareness of the need for people to donate, especially during winter.

The National Blood Service expect 2012 to be a challenging year for blood reserves, because of the extra bank holiday and bumper sporting calendar, including the Olympics.

The Wentworth and Dearne MP has given blood many times in the past but has made a new year's resolution to be a regular donor.

John said: "Giving blood is simple for the donor but life changing for the patient who receives it.

"7,000 donations are needed every day to make sure there's enough blood for those who need it.

"That's why I've made a new year's resolution to donate regularly."

Last year there were nearly 6,000 active blood donors in Rotherham and nearly 5,000 in Barnsley - but only 4% of the eligible population regularly donate.

NHSBT's lead donor relations manager for the area, Holly Mason, said: "We're very thankful to John for taking the time to donate and raise awareness of the need to give blood here in South Yorkshire.

"Although he had given blood many times before, John had taken a short break from donating, as is the case with many people.

"However, he was impressed with how quick and easy it is to re-register as a donor and start giving blood again. As 2012 is likely to prove a challenging year for blood reserves, I would urge anyone who has been meaning to donate for some time but might not have got round to it to follow John's example and book a new appointment."

Anyone wanting to donate for the first time should be aged between 17 and 65, weighing at least 50kg (7 stone 12lbs) and in general good health.

If you've donated before, you can start again up to your 70th birthday and there is no upper age limit for donors who have donated in the last two years.

To find out more or book an appointment visit www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.