Christmas is a time when many regular donors take a break – yet the need for blood never stops.

At risk are supplies of platelets, the clotting component of the blood that is largely relied on by cancer patients to prevent internal bleeding.

Platelets only have a shelf life of five days, so a constant flow of donors is required, even during holiday times.

Blood Service spokesman Stuart Ward today urged Australians to make an appointment to give blood between Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve.

“The period between Christmas and the New Year is when platelet stocks are most at risk,” he said.

“That’s why we are this week launching our Christmas and New Year Blood Blitz, to remind people that the need for blood doesn’t take a break.

“Cancer patients are the biggest users of donated blood in Australia; it’s critical to helping them through chemotherapy.

“With one in three of us needing donated blood in our lifetime, the life you help save this festive season could even be that of a loved one.”

To learn more about becoming a donor this Christmas and New Year, visit donateblood.com.au or call 13 14 95.

Critical days at Tamworth and Armidale Blood Donor Centre are December 27-29, and January 2.