Blood donors roll up sleeves after appeal

BLOOD flowed like water from a tap yesterday in a crazy day that saw hundreds of donors stream to the Friendly City’s main blood bank to help critically injured Bianca-Anne Harper Agherdien.

he plight of the much-loved former Miss Port Elizabeth has highlighted a national shortage at the South African National Blood Service ahead of the festive season when accidents escalate.

“In the 11 years I’ve been with SANBS, we have never had a day like this,” SANBS public relations officer Nina van Wyk said.

“We’ve really been inundated and amazed at the response.

“We’ve got queues, it’s crazy! We had to pull in staff from all over the place.” The blood flood was triggered mid-morning yesterday when Bianca’s father, Denzyl Harper, posted an emotional appeal on Facebook – “Please PE come out and give BLOOD today! My daughter Bianca is O negative and PE has no stock!!! Please come irrespective of blood type. Help please!”

–  Gillian McAinsh