Fashion designer Camilla Franks creates colourful bandages for Lifeblood blood donors in February

Fashion designer and breast cancer survivor Camilla Franks has teamed up with Lifeblood to create a colourful accessory to encourage Aussies to donate blood.

Camilla has designed a bright and bold limited-edition bandage that will be wrapped around the arms of those who donate blood at Lifeblood centres throughout February. 

The Sydney designer said she jumped at the opportunity to spread the message about the importance of blood donations which can help save up to three lives.

Camilla has designed a bright and bold bandage for donors between February 1 and March 5 to make them look and feel better than while giving blood

Those who donate blood at Lifeblood centres between February 1 and March 5 will be wrapped in Camilla’s bold pink and red animal printed bandage. 

The cause is close to Camilla’s heart having been a frequent donor before her breast cancer diagnosis in 2018 and with cancer patients being 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.

The Sydney designer said she ‘jumped’ at the opportunity to spread the message about the importance of blood donations which can help save up to three lives 

For fans of the designer, the bandage will be instantly recognisable as a Camilla creation she said it was designed to celebrate ‘those who have selflessly given blood’

‘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.’

For fans of the designer, the bandage will be instantly recognisable as a Camilla creation she said it was designed to celebrate ‘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.’

Lifeblood Executive Director of Donor Services, Cath Stone said the organisation was thrilled to have the high-profile designer help raise awareness about the importance of blood donation. 

‘With cancer diagnoses estimated to increase by 22 per cent over the next decade, to 1.7 million diagnoses by 2031, we know that the need for blood is going to continue to grow,’ she 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.’ 

The cause is close to Camilla’s heart having been a frequent donor before her breast cancer diagnosis in 2018 and with cancer patients being the largest users of Australia’s blood supply

Camilla is the first of many Australian artists Lifeblood is partnering with Lifeblood to help boost blood and plasma donations. 

More limited-edition bandage designs will be rolled out across donor centres to Aussie donors look and feel better than ever while giving blood. 

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