GISBORNE people will save 900 lives this week, with more than 350 people booked in to donate blood through the New Zealand Blood Service.

The NZBS is at the Cosmopolitan Club in Grey Street today, tomorrow and Thursday from 7.30am to 2.30pm.

Blood was always needed and walk-ins were always welcomed, said mobile team leader Natalie Lewis.

“Gisborne people always give really well. We get a great response when we come here,” she said.

“We are here for only three days this time, so we expect to be busy. A lot of people are booking appointments but as long as people are prepared to wait, then anyone is welcome. We need all blood types.”

Plenty of women but not many young men come in to donate blood, said Ms Lewis.

Two-time blood donor Jacob Harrison, 18, was one of very few young men who donated blood this morning.

Jacob could save more than three lives because of his O negative blood type, which can be given to anyone in an emergency. Every time a rescue helicopter goes out, it takes six to eight units of O negative blood.

Donating blood was an easy way to save lives, Jacob said.

“The first time I did it I was a bit nervous but it is not hard at all.”