YOUNG Muslims are showing their support for the National Blood Service tomorrow by giving blood in Manchester, as part of a national campaign conceived in the city three years ago.

The Imam Hussain Blood Donation campaign was launched back in 2006 in Manchester by the Islamic Unity Society (IUS), a national organisation for Muslim students and young professionals.

The idea was to inspire those from ethnic minority backgrounds to give blood in the holy month of Muharram, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, grandson of the Prophet Mohammed.

Since then the campaign has become more successful each year, and is now a national annual event.

Last year over 100 people donated in seven major cities across the country, and this year hundreds have signed up to donate nationwide including Manchester.

Dr Marwan Al-Dawoud, founder of the campaign said, "In my line of work I see the results and benefits that giving blood has on patients’ lives.

"It is so simple, yet its implications are vast and can really make a difference.

"An important part of our faith as Muslims is to contribute to society and mankind as a whole, so it is very encouraging that this event is becoming more successful every year.

"We feel the Muslim community is taking positive steps towards social integration for the benefit of the public."

A single donation can be broken down into three component parts - red cells, plasma and platelets. Each can then go on to help three different people; red cells can be used for anaemia; platelets for cancer patients having chemotherapy and plasma for burns victims.

Rachel Hollingworth, spokeswoman for the NBS said "We are delighted to be working with the local Muslim Community in promoting blood donation at this special time and thank them for their support.

Certain rare blood groups are more common in certain ethnic groups, so encouraging people with rarer blood types to donate is a constant challenge for the NBS."

To donate contact Marwan Al-Dawoud, Islamic Unity Society Community Officer: 07793 107 522 or email giveblood@ius.org.uk

For more information on the Islamic Unity Society campaign, visit www.ius.org.uk/giveblood