A total of 600 squeezy fire engines, with the community safety message
'smoke alarms save lives' have been donated to Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service by Ely-based company, Addictive Merchandise Ltd.

The squeezy fire engines were given out to donors at the session at Ramsey Fire Station last Thursday (April 24), and will continue to be handed to donors at sessions held in Cambridgeshire over the coming weeks.

Julie Sandbrook, Community Safety Officer, decided to give the fire engines to the National Blood Service for use by donors in Cambridgeshire, after she discovered how useful they were for getting the blood pumping while donating her own blood about 10 weeks ago.

She said: "They fit very snugly in the palm of your hand and are fantastic for keeping the blood circulating while you are giving blood.

"Those who read the message and make sure they have a working smoke
alarm at home, may have potentially saved their own life, while saving the lives of others."

Jake Scott Paul, Merchandise Director for Addictive Merchandise Ltd, was one of the first people to try out the squeezy fire engines, after agreeing to travel to the session and donate blood for the first time.

He said: "I've always wanted to donate blood, but like many people, I've never actually got round to attending a session.

"I must admit, I was a little nervous, but it doesn't hurt at all, and the squeezy fire engines really did help to keep my blood circulating."

A total of 139 donors gave blood on Thursday's session – including 12 new donors.

Gareth Bell, spokesman for the National Blood Service, said, "Blood stocks are really healthy at the moment thanks to the amazing people who continue to step forward and donate. The session in Ramsey was no exception, exceeding our collection target by 29 donations.

"Please think hard about giving blood - it is amazing what a difference you can make by just giving up one hour of your time."

>> For full details on donating, to find your nearest session, and to book an appointment, contact the NBS helpline on 0845 7 711 711, or log on to www.blood.co.uk.