Mid Coast Real Estate Blood Challenge for Lifeblood plasma

They know that the key to winning is donating plasma every two weeks from October 1 - December 31.

At just 21, LJ Hooker Taree employee, Hannah has made a total of 26 plasma donations. She rolled up her sleeve to save lives again last week knowing just how important her donations are.

"I'm happy to donate all year round. I started donating because it's just a small thing to do on my part, but can make a massive difference to someone in need of blood or blood products, like plasma.

"Donating as part of the Challenge with my team is really important to me to encourage not only my team to jump on board, but the community as well," Hannah said.

Related: Mid Coast clubs blood challenge boosting much needed supplies

Hannah has the full support of the LJ Hooker Taree managing director Amanda Tate who is also a blood donor.

"Donating blood and plasma is so important for our community. One in three of us will need blood or blood products during our lifetimes.

"The Mid Coast Real Estate Blood Challenge is our opportunity to do something important to support our community and support our team. Plus you get a free blood check while you are there which is great," Amanda said.

The six competing real estate agencies in the Mid Coast area - Elders Real Estate Taree, First National Shultz Taree, Lauders Real Estate, LJ Hooker Harrington, LJ Hooker Taree, and Ray White Manning Valley - are part of Lifeblood Teams, an initiative which unites teams across Australia to give life by giving blood and plasma.

The need for plasma has never been greater with more than 12,000 patients relying on plasma medicines and transfusions every month across Australia.

Gilly Paxton from Australian Red Cross Lifeblood said Australia is experiencing a significant increase in demand for plasma and plasma products.

"We owe an enormous thank you to all Lifeblood Teams participating in the Challenge. Each year they are donating more and each year new donors come on board which is so important. Already, LJ Hooker have new donors registered to their team," Gilly said.

And it's not too late for new teams to come on board. "These six teams have been the backbone of the Challenge but all agencies from across the region are welcome to join," Gilly said.

When asked about the prospect of further competition, Amanda Tate was clear.

"More competition for the Challenge would be great. Of course we are in it to win but the real winners will always be the thousands of Australians who rely on blood donors every day," she said.

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