Which is nothing short of scandalous, especially when you consider that any one of us, at any moment, could be involved in an accident and become reliant on infusions to keep us alive.

From time to time a story makes the news that's enough to give people who do not donate blood a twinge of conscience.

In today's Courier we tell the moving story of Matthew Whiley.

To anyone who did not know better, he's a healthy nine-year-old who loves nothing better than a kick-about with his mates.

Yet for most of his short life, Matthew has fought a battle with liver cancer.

From the age of two he has needed dozens of units of blood and platelets during surgery and after chemotherapy.

His mum knows he would not have the healthy life he has now without all the people who gave blood.

Across Yorkshire and the North East some 249,000 donations are needed every year.

Those between 17 and 60 who are in good health and weigh over 50 kilograms can make donations.

Meeting the figures should not be a big ask, the head count far outnumbers the required amounts of donations.

Yet for any number of reasons people remain reluctant to give their blood. In some cases it is purely selfish. In others it is a squeamish fear of needles.

What is certain is that as the population grows the need for blood becomes more acute.

You cannot force people to part with the stuff but gentle persuasion may help.

"Just those few minutes out of your day three times a year really can help save a life," says Matthew's mum.

Which just about says it all.