WE strive to be generous at this time of year, and put into practice the Christmas ethos of goodwill to all during this season.

Many of us will no doubt be lavishing gifts on friends and family, which is our way of thanking them for their love and friendship and showing our general appreciation of them for being in our lives.

But there is another way we can help others who we don’t even know – and it won’t cost a penny.

Over the Christmas season, blood donations fall dramatically. It’s understandable why – there are many things to occupy us, and with Christmas and Boxing Day falling on a Thursday and Friday there is an extended weekend to distract people, even those who give blood regularly.

But this is a problem for the hospitals who need fresh supplies constantly, and sadly just because it is Christmas it doesn’t mean the NHS demand for blood takes a holiday.

The family of four-year-old Joseph Mayman of Horsforth, who required regular blood transfusions to battle an aggressive form of cancer, are urging people to put “giving blood” on their Christmas lists this year.

It could really be the gift that matters to someone this Christmas – the gift of life. So if you have given blood before, or have never even considered it up to now, it would be a great time to do so.