Visitors to Alton Towers this Halloween may find themselves losing a small amount of blood, thanks to a spine-tingling initiative aimed at boosting blood donations. The Scarefest event at the resort, launched on Friday, will host free blood testing by specialist teams from NHS Blood and Transplant on 18th October. The testing involves a quick finger prick blood test to identify blood types, crucial for driving donations to meet the daily needs of hospitals and patients.
With blood supplies hitting an all-time low, the NHS issued an amber warning earlier this year, highlighting the urgent need for donors. Identifying rarer blood types such as O negative, which can be given to almost anyone and is vital in emergencies, is a key focus. Only eight per cent of the population have this blood type, yet it accounts for 15 per cent of hospital usage.
Alton Towers’ partnership with NHS Blood and Transplant extends beyond the Halloween event with volunteer opportunities for its 2,000 employees, all aimed at increasing blood donations nationwide. By participating in the blood testing initiative, visitors can make a real difference to the country’s blood supplies quickly and easily.
In addition to the blood testing, Scarefest attendees can enjoy thrilling experiences like riding the iconic Nemesis Reborn and exploring the new scare maze COMPOUND. Dr. Jo Farrar, Chief Executive of NHS Blood and Transplant, emphasized the importance of finding new ways to attract donors, especially as winter approaches. Bianca Sammut, Divisional Director at Alton Towers Resort, encouraged guests to take advantage of the blood testing facilities to support the critical need for blood donations.
As part of the ongoing efforts to address the blood shortage, this partnership between Alton Towers and NHS Blood and Transplant highlights the importance of community engagement in lifesaving initiatives. By raising awareness and encouraging participation, both organisations aim to provide essential support to hospitals and patients in need.