Camilla Franks designs must-have accessory to help boost blood donations

The Sydney designer, renowned for her exotic kaftans and celebrity following, has designed a bright, bold, limited-edition bandage, which will be rolled on to the arms of donors who donate at Lifeblood donor centres throughout February.

Franks, who was a blood donor before she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in 2018, said she jumped at the opportunity to work with Lifeblood to raise awareness about blood donation and the life-changing impacts for cancer patients, who are the largest users of Australia’s blood supply.

“I know how helpless others can feel when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, and that’s why I was so drawn to Lifeblood’s campaign for February – Give Blood. Fight Cancer,” Franks said, ahead of World Cancer Day on February 4.

“It shines a light on just how much of Australia’s donated blood is used by cancer patients and reminds us all why donating blood is such a fantastic way to support someone living with cancer,” she said.

More than one-third (34%) of donated red cells are used during the treatment of cancer and blood diseases. While two-thirds of donated platelets go to cancer patients.

Plasma donations are also used to create vital immune-strengthening medication for cancer patients.

Franks said the inspiration behind the bandage, which features a signature CAMILLA animal print in bold shades of pink and red and is set to become one of February’s most-coveted fashion accessories, came from celebrating “those who have selflessly given blood.”

“Even in the moments we feel our most helpless, there is something we can do to help a loved one living with cancer. We can give blood,” she said.

“I hope that this design can act as a reminder of that for people — a symbol of hope. Wearing this bandage is a way to show the world that you care,” she said.

Lifeblood Executive Director of Donor Services, Cath Stone said Lifeblood was thrilled to work with such an incredible Australian fashion designer to help shine a bright spotlight on the importance of blood and plasma donation.

“With cancer diagnoses estimated to increase by 22% over the next decade, to 1.7 million diagnoses by 2031*, we know that the need for blood is going to continue to grow,” Ms Stone said.

“We are incredibly grateful to Camilla for her stunning bandage design, and for working with us to help spread the message that while it may not feel like it, there is something you can do to help people living with cancer, you can give blood,” she said.

The Camilla Franks-designed bandages will be available at Lifeblood donor centres nationwide from February 1 until March 5, including World Cancer Day on February 4.

The limited-edition bandage is the first in a series of bandages which will be rolled out across donor centres throughout the year as part of Lifeblood’s True Colours campaign.

In the coming months, Lifeblood will partner with more Australian artists to help boost blood donations and to help donors look and feel better than ever while donating blood.

By making an appointment to donate blood, you could help save up to three lives.

To book a donation, call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au, or download the free Donate Blood app.

*Source: Cancer - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (aihw.gov.au)