VIDEO: James Haskell is bleeding for England

NHS Blood and Transplant released yesterday the first in a series of ‘Blood Substitute’ films for its ‘Bleed For England‘ campaign.
The films feature England star James Haskell and other rugby players covering staff shifts whilst employees go and donate blood – acting as their ‘Blood Substitute’.  It is hoped the films will inspire others to sign up as blood donors and book appointments to #BleedForEngland.
Team Members at London Hilton on Park Lane were the first to take part, having recently been joined by new recruits to promote the need for new blood donors.
Haskell, who could not donate blood himself because of his strict training regime during the World Cup, took on a number of roles including opening doors and helping guests with their luggage, while Hilton Worldwide Team Member, Bob Carey, donated blood.

As the nation is gearing up to show its support for the England rugby team, NHS Blood and Transplant has recently revealed that less than 3 per cent of people aged between 17 and 70 living in England have donated blood in the last twelve months. In contrast, 24 per cent of the nation cheered on our rugby team during their cup-winning performance in 2003.
NHS Blood and Transplant is calling on 100,000 new volunteers to show their support in a way that really matters; by registering to become a blood donor by October 31.  Booking an appointment to donate registrants can literally #BleedForEngland and contribute to the more than 200,000 new donors needed this year.
Michael Shepherd, general manager, London Hilton on Park Lane said: “We were very pleased to support the choice of our Team Member Bob Carey to give blood to help save and improve lives.”
“While it was great fun to welcome his ‘Blood Substitute’ James to work at the hotel, as the video shows, we have very high standards at the hotel and certainly wouldn’t encourage him to give up his day job!”
If you are 17 or over, visit www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23 today to find out if you are eligible to donate, register as a blood donor and to book your appointment
Download the app by searching ‘NHSGiveBlood’ in the App store.  It’s available for Android, Windows and Apple Smartphone and tablet devices
Show your support for blood donation on social media during the tournament by posting about blood donation and encouraging friends, family and followers to register to give blood and #BleedForEngland