Blood shortage fears

The people who organise blood donor sessions in Oxfordshire are worried there could be a shortage of blood during the World Cup.

Stocks fell by a fifth during the last tournament four years ago.  It's thought that was because men who would normally donate spent the time watching the matches instead.

Jonathan Sewell, who's responsible for organising donor sessions in Oxfordshire, has been telling Heart: "Blood stocks tend to fall over the summer but we noticed in 2006 we hit the lowest level in the summer months for about five years. 

"The message is if you want to come along please do, and if you've got an appointment, keep it."

Giving blood normally only takes an hour, and the amount donated is quickly replaced by the body.

Find out more about giving blood