GIVING blood is a simple act that can do so much good.

Some 60 per cent of people say they would like to start donating blood - an encouraging statistic which withers alarmingly when you realise that only six per cent actually get round to it.

The adverts on television pack an emotional punch, reminding us that donated blood saves lives.

In our hearts, we all know this, but not enough of us follow through and do anything about it. If we all acted on the message, the benefits would be enormous. So who's going first?

Updated: 09:10 Friday, January 06, 2006