The family and friends of the late Charlene Griffiths are urging as many people as possible to come forward this week to give blood in the 27-year-old’s memory.
The Griffiths family, along with members of Steelstown GAA, will be hosting a blood transfusion drive in at the GAC this Thursday from 2-4pm and from 5.15- 8pm.
Dr Lee Casey, who helped train the Steelstown Ladies Team, of which Charlene was captain, said her family and friends had wanted to do something to harness the goodwill they had received after Charlene’s tragic passing earlier this month.
“At the wake, there were so many young people who asked if there was anything they could do.
“What Charlene’s family want to do is encourage those young people to join the blood donation register so that other people can be helped,” Dr Casey said.
Describing Charlene as “an inspiration to many people”.
“She was an inspiration to so many - not just her team mates. She was one in a million - someone who just radiated so much energy and enthusiasm for life.
“We hope that now she will continue to inspire people to make a difference, just as she did when she was alive. That that will be her legacy.”
With blood supplies always in demand, Dr Casey said he would encourage everyone who can to come forward and offer their blood to the transfusion service.
“Anyone from the age of 16-65 can register to be a blood donor,” he said - adding that only those over the age of 17 can actually donate.
“The process is painless - the actual donation of blood takes only seven or eight minutes. However to enrol, the whole process including the screening, filling in forms and a lie down afterwards with a cup of tea or juice, should take about 45 minutes,” Dr Casey said.
Almost Done!
Registering with Derry Journal means you're ok with our terms and conditions.