The London Dungeon wants your blood...type tested!
- Wednesday September 18th 2024
In the lead-up to Halloween, the London Dungeon and NHS Blood and Transplant summon scare fans into the Dungeon for their blood...to find out their blood type at a free pop-up event on the 26th of September.*
While a trip to the London Dungeon might be enough to make your blood run cold, the ‘What’s Your Blood Type’ event is guaranteed to warm hearts as scare fans can go on to save lives by donating blood to those in need this spooky season.
Those feeling unnerved leaving the blood-curdling tour can catch their breath in the attraction’s Tavern and find out their blood type free of charge. The quick pinprick test will feel like a sweet relief compared to the torture of exploring London’s most dreadful history.
A London Dungeon spokesperson said: “It’s not Halloween without a little bloodshed, and this year we want yours! It’s time to finally find out if you have negativity in your DNA or if that’s just your personality and join us in the Dungeon. Though we love spilling blood, we encourage our visitors to put theirs to good use and save lives with blood donations.”
The event continues to mark the London Dungeon’s partnership with NHS Blood and Transplant, which began in June 2024 to encourage new donors aged 17 and older to come forward and save lives by donating blood. With September also marking Sickle Cell Awareness Month, the partnership aims to educate on the crucial need for life-saving donations for those living with sickle cell.
NHS Blood and Transplant need to recruit 140,000 new donors a year to replace those who can no longer donate. While all blood types are in demand, right now the NHS particularly needs more people with O negative blood. O negative is known as the universal type as it can be given to anyone and is vital in emergencies.
There is also a need for up to 12,000 new donors of Black heritage and 250 donations a day to treat patients with sickle cell. With help from the London Dungeon, they hope for new donors to come forward who can continue to donate throughout their lives.
Benjamin Brookes, National Partnerships Manager for NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “Giving blood is quick and easy, and our permanent donor centres in towns and cities around England - including five in London - are great places to make your first donation.
“We are delighted that the London Dungeon are giving visitors, who don’t already know, this chance to find out their blood type. You can also find out after making your first successful donation.
“Go online today to book an appointment to give blood in the coming weeks and months. We are currently facing challenging times for blood stocks, so we are particularly urging people to book ahead and help us lives this Autumn and Winter.”
Those keen to donate can head to https://www.blood.co.uk/ or download to GiveBlood app to find out more.
Those brave enough to enter the depths of the London Dungeon, which is situated on the capital’s South Bank, will uncover unsettling tales of London’s darkest past and come face-to-face with spine-chilling historic characters including Jack the Ripper, Sweeney Todd, and Mrs Lovett herself.
Marking 50 years of the much-loved London attraction as the Home of Halloween, from Friday 18th of October, guests will experience the attraction’s scariest show yet. Séance invites the living to join hands, gather around a Ouija board and summon Mary Ann Cotton, the notorious 19th-century murderess.
Those who dare can book tickets to the London Dungeon online in advance at www.thedungeons.com/london to save.
