A PERSHORE woman who owes her life to a series of blood transfusions is now spearheading a drive to persuade more people to become donors.

Jodie McLeod, aged 42, who lives in Pershore High Street, has made the plea after she needed four blood transfusions in early 2005 when a routine operation following a miscarriage became complicated.

Blood tests revealed that during the 12 weeks of her pregnancy, Jodie had become anaemic and her blood would not clot as it should, which led to uncontrollable bleeding and the need for four pints of blood.

Jodie, who has three children aged three, 16 and 18, said: "It got to the point where my life was really hanging in the balance and I wasn't sure what was happening to me and I didn't care. I felt like I wasn't really there.

"Without blood donors I wouldn't be here to see my children grow up, they have given me a second chance with my family and I am incredibly grateful for that."

Jodie is also getting married to her fiance Tim next year and they are both supporting the National Blood Service this summer in a campaign to get more people to give blood.

Lyndsay Stewart, spokeswoman for the National Blood Service said: "Jodie is living proof that the anonymous gift of blood, makes a real difference, not only to the person that receives it, but to all their friends and family."

To become a blood donor you need to be aged between 17 and 59, over 7st 12lbs and in general good health.

For more information, contact 0845 7 711 711 or visit www.blood.co.uk