Holland & Barrett Partners with WeDonate
Holland & Barrett pledges to help the nation get blood donation ready as stocks reach critically low levels.
Holland & Barrett, the UK’s leading health and wellness retailer, has announced its pledge to support WeDonate in raising awareness about blood donation and the number of people turned away due to low iron levels.
Many British adults who wish to donate blood are unable to do so because of decreased iron levels. People with low haemoglobin, a protein dependent on iron that carries oxygen around the body, are turned away and must wait at least three months before attempting to donate again.
At a time when the national blood bank reports critically low blood stocks, the number of donors turned away could amount to 1,557 individuals, potentially representing a loss of nearly 1,290 pints of blood. Since each donation can save up to three lives, this shortfall could result in over 4,670 lives lost.
To support blood donors, Holland & Barrett is launching an exclusive H&B Blood Donor Bundle, designed to help maintain iron and immunity levels, in hopes of encouraging more people to donate.
The bundle includes essential nutrients to support energy levels, reduce fatigue, and promote overall health. It is available for just £10 for WeDonate members—compared to nearly £30 when purchased separately. The pack contains:
- Holland & Barrett Gentle Iron 20mg (90 Capsules) – Supports red blood cell formation and haemoglobin production.
- Holland & Barrett ABC-Z Multivitamins & Minerals (120 Tablets) – A 23-nutrient formula for overall health support.
- Holland & Barrett Vitamin C 1000mg (120 Tablets) – Enhances iron absorption.
Tamara Rajah, CEO of Wellness Solutions & Transformation at Holland & Barrett, said: “At H&B, we’re thrilled to support WeDonate in helping more people donate life-saving blood to the NHS. Our shared purpose is to help people add quality years to their lives, and H&B is uniquely positioned to support potential donors in maintaining healthy iron levels. The bundles created exclusively for WeDonate members focus on both iron levels and immunity, and we hope this contributes to increasing blood stock.”
Stephen King, CEO of WeDonate, added: “Each blood donation has the power to save three lives, and maintaining proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle is key to healthy blood. We’re excited to partner with Holland & Barrett to offer a Blood Donor Bundle through the WeDonate donor celebration platform, honouring and supporting the true heroes who give the gift of life.”
Top Tips for Giving Blood
In addition to taking regular supplements, Francesca Haarer, Medical Advisor at Holland & Barrett, shares her top tips for blood donation:
- Eat balanced meals – Include iron-rich foods such as meat, fish, spinach, kale, nuts, and seeds. Bring a snack for after your donation, like fruit.
- Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary drinks. Hydration helps healthcare professionals locate a vein more easily. Avoid alcohol before and after donating.
- Get enough rest – Aim for good-quality sleep before your donation.
- Avoid intense exercise – Avoid vigorous workouts before and after donating to allow your body to recover.
- Bring emotional support – Consider how you might feel during donation and bring a distraction, such as a book or music.
- Wear loose clothing – This makes it easier to roll up your sleeves for the donation process.
The H&Blood Donation Bundle is available online for £10 when customers sign up to the WeDonate website with a valid Donor Card number.
