A campaign has arrived in Exeter to get 200,000 people to donate blood this Christmas.
NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is asking people in the city and East Devon to give the gift of blood or platelet donation to ensure there are enough supplies over the festive period.
Supplies said to be under "extra pressure" this year as Christmas Day and Boxing Day fall ahead of a weekend.
Sarah from Exmouth, whose mother benefited from blood transfusions before she died, described giving blood as "the perfect Christmas present".
She said: "Due to the selflessness and generosity of blood donors, mum was adminsitered several transfusions, which helped to give her the strength to spend time getting to know her new grandson before she so sadly passed away a few weeks alter.
"We are truly grateful and thankful to everybody who donates blood, for they made mum's last few weeks a happier time and enabled mum to enjoy such precious time with us all as a family.
"I have shared this story in the hope that it might encourage more people to donate blood. Not only might you save a life, but you might give someone the strength to enjoy a precious Christmas with their family."
Last year supplies were put under unnecessary pressure, because 1 in 5 blood donor appointments were missed over the period.
Jon Latham, NHSBT assistant director, said: "Blood stock levels can drop dramatically over the busy festive period as Christmas shopping, celebrations and extended public holidays mean giving blood slips off the nation's to-do lists.
"At this time of year many people want to give something more than material gifts. A blood donation truly is the gift only you can give and with one single donation you can save or improve up to three lives.
"Don't worry if you've never given blood before -now is a great time to sign up and start giving."
Around 210,000 whole blood donations will be needed over the next six weeks to supply hospitals across the country treating patients with cancer, after accidents or childbirth complications, and during surgery.
Some 12,500 platelet donations will be needed to help treat patients with cancer, serious blood disorders and those who have undergone transplants.
NHSBT collects 1.8 million units of blood each year from around 23,000 blood donation sessions in over 3,000 venues.
But just 4% of the eligible population are active blood donors.
To make an appointment to donate blood, visit www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 2323.
