A pantomime dame starring in Sleeping Beauty turned up in full costume to give an armful in Bury St Edmunds to promote the importance of being a blood donor.
Actor Chris Clarkson, who is playing Nanny Fanny in the Theatre Royal production in the town, visited the Athenaeum to give blood donations a boost.
It was the actor’s second year running of giving blood in full panto attire, and was his 78th donation in total.
He said: “When I was a kid I used to go with my mum when she donated blood so I think I’ve always known how important a thing it is to do.
“The fact that I could donate in full costume was a bonus as hopefully it will help raise awareness around Suffolk.
“It proves that even with a panto schedule of 12 shows a week you’re never too busy to try and help save lives.”
NHS Blood and Transplant needs around 200,000 new donors every year to maintain the supply for life-saving blood donations.
The team in Bury St Edmunds said that in particular they would be very grateful to receive blood donations from people with blood type AB and black/ethnic minority donors.
People can visit the blood donor service website or download the app by searching ‘NHSGiveBlood’ in the app store to register to become a blood donor.
People can also call the donor line on 0300 123 23 23.
Last year more than 1,600 people in Suffolk registered to give blood for the first time.
Sleeping Beauty is showing at the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds until Sunday, January 13.
Tickets are available from the box office on 01284 769505 or www.theatreroyal.org
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