Home   News   Article

Soldiers from Seventh Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland roll up their sleeves for Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) in Inverness


By Val Sweeney

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!
Pte Peter Martin, Sgt Thomas Stewart, Lt Michael Hunter, Maj (OC) Malcolm Dalzel-Job, Pte William Mansfield-Townsend, CSgt Andrew Braid, Sgt Peter Ball, WO2 (CSM) Colin Smith and Pte Lizzie Donner.
Pte Peter Martin, Sgt Thomas Stewart, Lt Michael Hunter, Maj (OC) Malcolm Dalzel-Job, Pte William Mansfield-Townsend, CSgt Andrew Braid, Sgt Peter Ball, WO2 (CSM) Colin Smith and Pte Lizzie Donner.

A group of Army reservists joined forces to give blood at Inverness Donor Centre in support of a friend who was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Major Malcolm Dalziel-Job and seven other soldiers from the Seventh Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland rolled up their sleeves to donate blood in a show of support for friend and fellow soldier Donald Campbell, also known as Cammy.

Before his diagnosis, Mr Campbell, of Inverness, was a regular blood donor.

The reservists, mainly from the Western Isles, took part in the blood donor session while getting together for a training weekend.

Major Dalziel-Job said it felt great to be supporting a fellow soldier while helping others.

"It feels especially great to be doing it at this time of year as well," he said.

"We often think about charitable donation but this costs nothing other than an hour of your time, and it could actually save lives. It really is one of the most valuable donations you could ever give."

The reservists undertake their mission to donate blood at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness.
The reservists undertake their mission to donate blood at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness.

He said not only was it great for morale but was a perfect opportunity to raise awareness and encourage friends, family and fellow comrades to give blood.

The group has also supported the cancer charity Maggie’s by taking part in Movember, resulting in some impressive moustaches.

Major Dalziel-Job said it had been tricky at times as he is the person ensuring all the soldiers meet regulation and look smart at all times.

"Some of the ‘taches have needed tamed back a little," he said

WO2 (CSM) Colin Smith.
WO2 (CSM) Colin Smith.

The donor session was arranged by Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) training facilitor Andrew Braid who first met Major Dalziel-Job on operation in Afghanistan in 2010 and is a senior member of the company.

"Having known Cammy for a number of years, both as a friend and a colleague in the military then latterly as a blood donor, it was very humbling seeing the guys in donating on his behalf," Mr Braid said.

"I have worked at SNBTS for over seven years now and on numerous occasions I have seen Cammy taking the time to come and donate.

"When Maj Dalzel-Job first mentioned about the troops coming over to give blood, I knew it would mean a great deal to Cammy.

"It might only be a small gesture, but considering what Cammy is currently going through, taking that hour out to do something like this has meant a great deal to him

Major Dalziel-Job urged anyone who has never given blood before, or not been along to donate in a while, to do so.

"It’s so easy to let life get in the way," he said. "If they aren’t not sure for any reason, then they should just talk to someone who’s done it.

He said every donation is split into three separate parts so, thanks to the eight soldiers who attended the donor centre, 24 lives had been potentially been saved or improved.

"It’s most definitely another successful mission completed for the team," he added.

To find out more or to book an appointment, visit www.scotblood.co.uk, or call 0345 90 90 999.

WATCH: Family backs nationwide appeal for more blood donors


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More