Panto dame gives his 82nd donation of blood
Actor Chris Clarkson, who plays Tiger Lily in the Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds pantomime “Peter Pan” visited some of the NHS Give Blood team to make a donation, not for the first time, or the second time, but for his 82nd time!
As is becoming a tradition of his when he’s in pantomime, he went in his full costume to give the team running the donations a boost.
This is now the third year running that Chris has donated blood in his Theatre Royal pantomime costume, he has been making donations ever since he was 18 years old, and is very proud to continue to do so.
He said: “When I was a kid I used to go with my mum when she donated blood so I think I’ve always known how important a thing it is to do. The fact that I could donate in full costume was a bonus as hopefully it will help raise awareness around Suffolk. It proves that even with a panto schedule of 12 or 13 shows a week you’re never too busy to try and help save lives.”
The team have said that donor sessions are currently full which is fantastic, but it makes it more important than ever that people do not miss their appointment for donating. They ask that if you can’t make it anymore, please let them know with plenty of time to offer that spot to someone else. NHS Blood and Transplant needs around 200,000 new donors every year to maintain the supply for life-saving blood donations.
It’s quick and easy to register to become a blood donor. Visit www.blood.co.uk or download the app by searching ‘NHSGiveBlood’ in the app store. You can also call the Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23. There are hundreds of people in Suffolk who have recently registered to give blood for the first time – will you join them, along with Chris, to help save lives?
Catch Chris in “Peter Pan” which runs until Sunday, January 19, tickets are available from the Box Office on 01284 769505, online at www.theatreroyal.org/shows/peter-pan/ or you can visit the theatre in person to book. You can also follow Chris on Twitter and Instagram – @MrChrisClarkson.