Hundreds of volunteers across the country took part in #GlobalBloodHeroes Day in an attempt to break the world blood donation record and save 150,000 lives.

The ambitious #GlobalBloodHeroes campaign is led by Who is Hussain, a British-based social justice charity who has partnered with NHS Blood and Transplant.

The take up in the UK was huge. 1 in 4 of those who registered to give blood in England today with Who is Hussain were first time donors.

Leading voices from showbiz and politics showed their support for #GlobalBloodHeroes day with Bradford MP Naz Shah personally joining at the Leeds blood centre.

Global Blood Heroes Day aims to beat the world record for blood donations in one calendar day.

In the next few days, blood donor organisations around the world will confirm how many #GlobalBloodHeroes took part in their respective countries. The final total will be confirmed by the leading verification body, Official World Records.

Ultimately, with so many taking part and giving blood today, lives have been saved. Just one blood donation can help save three lives.

Muntazir Rai, Director of Who is Hussain said: “We’re incredibly moved by how many people joined the call to be a Global Blood Hero today to save lives and beat a world record. We were established to emulate the brave and compassionate legacy of Hussain ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. That compassion came in droves from all faiths and none. Giving blood donation is a universal act that unites people around the world.”

Altaf Kazi, Head of Partnerships and Community Engagement at NHS Blood and Transplant said: 

“We need more people like the amazing Who is Hussain donors to take that next crucial step to start saving lives. With more people from ethnic minority backgrounds needing regular transfusions for conditions like Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassaemia, it is really important we have enough ethnically matched blood to meet the demand and save more lives.”