MUMS and their babies whose lives have been saved by transfusions came to Runcorn to encourage more people to give blood.

Staff from global health care company Fresenius Kabi in Manor Park joined them to release balloons to mark world blood donor day.

Sarah Cross’s daughter, three-year-old Erin, needed 12 blood and platelet transfusions to help her fight acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Sarah, from Chester, said: “When Erin needed blood, the supply has just been there for her. I’ve been to blood sessions and witnessed how dedicated the donors are. They are lifesavers. They are all heroes in my eyes.”

Teacher Bethan Guy, aged 29, from Wavertree, needed five and a half litres of blood after suffering a haemorrhage delivering her first child.

She said: “Without blood donors, I wouldn’t be here today. My son would never have known his mum.”

“I think blood donors are the unsung heroes of medicine. I initially thanked all of the doctors, and it wasn’t until getting home that I realised without the donors, doctors couldn’t have saved me.”

Barbara Blanche, regional lead donor relations manager for NHS Blood and Transplant said: “These women’s stories are inspirational and we hope they encourage more people to join our existing donors.”

If you are fit and healthy, weight more than seven stone 12 pounds (50kg) and are aged between 17 and 66, you should be able to give blood.

For more information or to book an appointment, visit blood.co.uk or call 0300 1232323.