Many people are put off by the idea of giving blood, but donors play a crucial role in saving lives. Only six percent of the UK population who are eligible to give blood currently do so. Laura Pitel, 19-year-old gap year student from Cainscross, has been giving blood for two years. Here she explains why she continues to brave the needle.

"URRGH! Don't talk about that in front of me!" cried my friend Joe as I broached the subject of giving blood.

There are some people who are just never going to come round to the idea of voluntarily going near a large needle, and most of my peers are among them.

I wouldn't exactly call it my idea of a good time, but I can say that the experience isn't nearly as bad as people think.

I'm not sure what motivated me to go along for the first time.

I felt I should be doing more for the community, and having never even had so much as a blood test before I was lucky not to have had any bad experiences involving sharp instruments.

So off I trudged, shortly after my 17th birthday - the minimum age to give blood - feeling curious, apprehensive and already a bit morally superior.

Both of my wimpish parents had refused to accompany me, so I was left to go it alone in the wilds of the blood-giving world.

My trepidation proved to be unfounded. Everyone was incredibly friendly, particularly because I looked young, alone and had the telltale nervous glances of a first-time donor.

After a few questions and an iron test I was on the bed. My arm was extended, the tourniquet was on and then, quicker than I could say "haemoglobin," the needle was in.

I won't say it didn't hurt but it was quick, and I was relieved to discover that you can't actually feel the blood draining out of you.

Once I'd given my 470ml came the best bit of all - a cup of tea and a plate of custard creams.

Having just given my forth donation, I now feel like a blood veteran, although perhaps this is little premature considering I have met people on their 50th and even 100th sessions. It feels like a good start nonetheless.

One of the plus sides of being a blood donor is getting a letter disclosing your blood group which can make you feel quite special.

Mine - A rhesus negative - although shared by only seven per cent of the population, isn't as exciting as being O rhesus negative.

Donors with this type of blood get sent videos requesting regular attendance due to the universal compatibility of their blood, which makes it incredibly useful.

Another bonus is that the iron check serves as a free anaemia test, so you know that if you're allowed to give blood then you're fit and healthy.

A recent discovery on my part has made my blood-giving very relevant as I found I could be on the receiving end of the National Blood Service's work in the future.

Due to my blood group, if I become pregnant with an A positive baby I will need to be given Anti-D, a protein made from plasma obtained through blood donations.

I like the thought that by donating blood now I am repaying my debt in advance.

STONEHOUSE resident Alan Millin, 49, will be giving blood for the 100th time this September.

And later this year he will attend a ceremony to celebrate his commitment to donating.

"I've been giving blood since I was 18," said Alan, who attended a similar event held at Bristol Zoo when he reached his 75th donation, and was awarded a crystal plate.

"It is a very worthwhile thing to do because you can help others without it costing you anything.

"It takes just half-an-hour or so every three months. We can all afford to give up that time."

Alan, a security officer at Sainsbury's, has also donated blood plasma, and has been on the bone marrow register for many years, but as yet has not been a match for any marrow recipients.

"The most enjoyable thing is talking to the nurses and everyone else at the sessions," he said.

"It's nice because you've all got something in common. The award ceremony will be lovely but I don't give blood for that reason. "I do it to help others. I'll keep giving blood until I'm told to stop."

Laura gave blood last week in Stonehouse, but there are a few more session coming up.

* Nailsworth Town Hall on Monday, August 22 between 1.30pm and 3.30pm and from 5pm to 7.15pm.

* Congregational Church Hall, Bedford Street, Stroud on Thursday, August 18 between 1.30pm and 3.15pm and 5pm and 7.15pm.

* Douglas Morley Hall, Elms Road Stonehouse on Thursday, September 8 between 2pm and 3.15pm and from 5pm to 7.15pm.

For more information about giving blood call 0845 7711 711 or visit www.blood.co.uk