This can range from patients undergoing surgery to those fighting a serious disease like cancer, going through a difficult childbirth or battling to survive a life-threatening accident.

To meet that need, hundreds of blood donor sessions take place across the country each week, and this week the National Blood Service was collecting blood at the Corn Hall in Diss.

Other local venues are the Debenham Leisure Centre, the Eye Community Centre and the Harleston Apollo Club, to name just a few.

The reason for holding frequent and regular sessions is because the need for blood never stops and there are only seven days' worth of blood in stock at a time, with only two days' worth of platelets.

Patients in Norfolk require around 35,000 units of blood each year.

Last year, Diss blood donors gave a total of 1,670 donations.

The National Blood Service was set up in 1946 and today collects 8,000 units of blood every day to supply to 310 hospitals – and the demand continues to rise.

Although the first successful blood transfusion was carried out in 1665, it wasn't until 1900 that it was discovered blood came in four main types – O, A, B and AB. Group O is the most common which means it's in demand the most.

The frequency of the major blood groups in the UK are: Blood group O – 44 per cent, Blood group A – 42 per cent, Blood group B – 10 per cent and Blood group AB – four per cent

One donation can save more than one life as more than 95 per cent of the blood collected is processed into its main components – red cells, white cells, platelets and plasma – and the different components are used for different needs.

As red cells only last 35 days and platelets are only good for five days, there's a constant need to replenish with fresh supplies.

Last year, the service collected 2.1 million donations from about 1.6 million donors, but while that sounds like a lot of people, it's only four per cent of the population giving two or three times a year.

Almost anyone between the ages of 17 and 60 can become a new blood donor, while those regular donors who are still in good health can continue to donate up to the age of 70.

As long as you weigh over 7st 12lbs (50kgs) and are in general good health, you can give blood as frequently as every 16 weeks. Regular blood donors are asked to give three times a year.

To sign up to become a blood donor, call the National Donor Helpline on 0845 7 711 711.

Click here See how Judy coped when she gave blood.