Kate Smith reports on the Blood Donation Service for Saturday Edition. In the Summer of 1987, fewer doners were stepping forward. This lead to a shortage of O- and AB- blood. The Service launched an appeal made for regular donors to come forward and donate. There were worries of a shortage which could have created a crisis for the service. However, the shortage came about for a reason you may not have expected. The Blood Transfusion Service described the issue as seasonal and the short shelf life of blood. It was believed to be related to the fact more people could afford to go on holiday and therefore fewer donors were present in the country!