But recently, the daughter of a close friend was hospitalised with a serious medical condition which required several blood transfusions, so suddenly it was all a bit closer to home.

So I called the donor line on 0845 7 711 711 and booked an appointment at this week's National Blood Service session in the Corn Hall in Diss on Tuesday.

As I arrived for my appointment, I was a little bit anxious as no-one really likes having needles stuck in them. But the staff and nuses could not have been more welcoming or reassuring.

Diss usually yields around 120 units during an afternoon and evening session, so there was a good flow of donors coming and going.

There were forms to fill in and a chat to check my medical history and give me an opportunity to ask any questions.

This was followed by a pin-prick on my finger to check my iron levels. The nurse looking after me, Pam, told me she had given a total of 85 units herself, so I could not have been in better hands.

The needle went in and I relaxed for ten minutes. There was a slight discomfort in my arm, but otherwise it could not have been easier, and soon there was a bag with just under a pint of my blood in it. Afterwards, staff provided a drink and a biscuit.

So finally, after years of thinking about it, that's me with my first donation under my belt and already signed up for my next appointment in August.