DONATED blood is often used to help mums and their babies.

As Mother’s Day approaches, Halton residents are being urged to help save lives by donating blood.

Pregnant women and new mums can experience severe bleeds and premature babies often also need blood transfusions.

Around six per cent of blood used in hospitals is for maternity care.

NHS Blood and Transplant’s lead donor relations manager for the north west, Barbara Blanche, said: “We are regularly contacted by grateful young mothers who owe their lives to blood donors after receiving transfusions during childbirth.

“You really make a difference and help to save a life simply by going along to a local blood donor session.”

Blood donor sessions will be held in Widnes on Wednesday, March 12, at The Foundry, Lugsdale Road, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm and from 5pm to 7pm.

In Runcorn, a session will be held on Tuesday, March 25, at Canal Walk, Halton Road from 2pm to 4pm and from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

To book an appointment, call 0300 123 23 23 or visit blood.co.uk