THERE are people walking around Wales who have no idea just how special they are. Every day they make a big difference to the lives of thousands of people they have never met. All of these unsung heroes have one thing in common...THEY ARE REGULAR BLOOD DONORS!

That is the reason why we joined in the recent World Blood Donor Day celebrations because the National Blood Service would like a 'Chance to Say Thanks' to those blood donors who are unsung heroes in the eyes of thousands of patients and their families in Wales. Everyday our blood donors help restore health or help save the most important thing - someone's life.

The global focus of World Blood Donor Day in 2009 is for more countries to have a 100 per cent voluntary non-remunerated blood donation service. In Wales we are very fortunate to have already met that goal because all our blood donors donate their life-saving gift for purely altruistic reasons. Good reason for us all to feel grateful and proud of them!

The National Blood Service wishes to acknowledge our blood donors' invaluable and ongoing contributions. Blood is essential to life, and blood donors are the key to supplying enough blood for accident victims, surgical patients, and people with cancer and other needs.

The act of blood donation is unique, and blood donors are special people. On behalf of the National Blood Service and thousands of patients and their families in Wales - THANK YOU to all blood donors who make such an importance difference every day.

For further information about becoming a blood donor, please call 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk

Our pictures show Brian Carey joining blood service personnel and local donors on the Racecourse, as they released 150 red balloons to represent the 150 pints of blood needed every day in the Wrexham area.