Love Island was without a doubt the most popular TV series of 2018. Appearing on the show has led to fame and fortune - on varying levels - for all the former villa residents. Now, some of our very favourite Islanders are using their platform for a really good cause by teaming up with ITV and the NHS to encourage more young people to give blood.
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The ITV2 Blood Squad is composed of Dani Dyer, Jack Fincham, Alex George, Laura Anderson and Wes Nelson and they're appearing in a new Halloween-themed advert to encourage more young people to consider giving blood. The aim is to dispel negative myths about blood donation by proving that there's nothing to be afraid of when it comes to giving blood.
Laura admitted: 'I didn’t think I would be able to donate blood as I have a tattoo, but then discovered that you can give blood four months after an inking or piercing. I was apprehensive to start with, but can confirm there is nothing to be scared of.'
Wes added: 'It’s such a great campaign and I’m delighted to be involved with it. It’s so important to dispel the myths that discourage people from giving blood and I want to help get that message across.'
Meanwhile, Mike Stredder, Director of Blood Donation at NHS Blood and Transplant says: 'There are many myths associated with giving blood, but it really isn’t scary.
There is a particular need for O negative and B negative donors. O negative is the only blood type that can be given to anyone, regardless of their blood type and used in emergencies. B negative is one of the rarest blood groups and only 2% of population have this. If you are aged 17 or over, please register to donate and help us save lives. If you live or work near to one of our fixed site donor centres, please book an appointment to give there as we have a higher number of appointments available at these centres.'
You can find out more about the campaign and how you can sign up to give blood at www.itv.com/itv2bloodsquad.
Check out the video above to see what Dani and Jack had to say about donating blood - and to see them in action in the advert - their very first acting job together!
