HE’S only five years old, but little Billy has already had six life-saving blood transfusions.

For Billy is battling leukaemia and is nearly halfway through a four-year course of treatment.

He had his first transfusion four months after he was diagnosed. He was hospitalised five times last year and nearly died from a stomach bug in April.

“It is very scary because we just never know what’s around the corner,” said his mum Claire, who lives with Billy in Swanage.

Claire agreed to share their story to encourage more people to sign up for the Daily Echo’s Mine’s A Pint campaign.

“I used to give blood occasionally, but now I know just how vital it is I give blood every 16 weeks, which is the maximum you are allowed to do.

“I usually take Billy along with me when I give blood because he wants to see what it is like to give blood rather than just to be on the receiving end.”

Billy also has to have platelets because of his chemotherapy treatment.

Claire adds: “Some people say they can’t give blood because they don’t like needles, but children like Billy don’t have that choice. He has to have a needle in his arm every week for various blood tests. But he never complains. He is so brave.

“I would urge anyone who can give blood or platelets to support this campaign. I’ve never liked injections either, but it’s a small price to pay to save a life.”

Can you help with our campaign?

Platelets are often life-saving. One donor can help up to three adults or 12 children.

Most platelet donations are given to patients who are unable to make enough platelets in their bone marrow or whose own supplies are destroyed through chemotherapy.

Platelets can only be stored for a few days, so regular donors are in big demand.

Can you help? The Daily Echo is appealing to readers to support its Mine’s A Pint campaign by giving blood or platelets.

If you can help, please visit blood.co.uk or you can call the donor helpline on 0300 123 23 23 quoting the Daily Echo’s campaign code Z76.