THE NHS is appealing for more donors with a rare blood type to sign up to give blood in Bradford.

There has been a 168 per cent increase in demand for Ro Kell negative blood in Bradford since 2015/16, and it is the blood type with the fastest growing demand in England.

Ro Kell negative can be found in anyone, but black people are ten times more likely to have this rare blood type.

Bradford Donor Centre, in Manor Row, currently has 126 donors with this blood type signed up, but is aiming to recruit another 60 donors with Ro Kel negative blood, to ensure there is enough blood in the reserves to ensure ill people get the blood they need.

Ro Kell negative is important for treating the rare, inherited condition sickle cell disease. More and more patients in Bradford with sickle cell disease are being given regular full body blood transfusions, known as red cell exchanges, which require a lot more blood.

Mike Stredder, director of blood donation for NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “Ro Kell negative blood is used vitally to treat people who need life-long transfusions to live longer, healthy lives. It is lifesaving.

“Blood donation is quick, easy and safe. We urgently need more Ro Kell negative donors at the Bradford donor centre to cope with the growing demand – we urge anyone with these groups to talk to friends and family about donation.”

To register to become a blood donor and book an appointment to give blood, visit blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.