BLACKBURN patients who have recovered from coronavirus are being urged to give convalescent plasma to help others bounce back from the infection.

NHS Blood and Transplant has made an urgent appeal for donors following the local spike in Covid-19 cases.

The blood plasma from people who have recovered from the virus can potentially save the lives of people who are still ill.

A local outbreak of Covid-19 cases means there are more potential donors in the Blackburn with Darwen than in many other parts of England.

NHS Blood and Transplant needs people to come forward to help make sure appointments are filled.

People who have had a positive test for coronavirus are being asked to get in touch.

An NHSBT spokesman said: “Every new offer to donate is incredibly valuable. We particularly need men to come forwards as they generally have higher antibody levels.

“Blackburn has seen an increase in positive cases in recent weeks. We urgently need as many people as possible who have recovered to donate, to help us make as much progress as possible now.

“Donations can also be frozen to ensure convalescent plasma is readily available should there be a rise in infections in the coming weeks.

“Please, help the NHS fight Covid-19 by donating at your nearest donor centre. You could save lives.”

Convalescent plasma is being collected at NHSBT’s 23 donor centres around the country, and several pop-up donor centres.

Donation takes about 45 minutes. The body usually replaces the plasma donated in 24 to 48 hours. People can donate plasma as often as every two weeks.