Blood donors in the UK have been urged to struggle through the bad weather to meet appointments to prevent catastrophic shortages in hospitals.
O negative donors are especially needed, according to NHS Blood and Transplant.
It says stocks are below preferred levels and problems with recent donor sessions mean there is little sign of the situation improving.
Snow and ice since the end of October has led to 69 sessions being cancelled in England and North Wales – and donors not attending sessions that have taken place.
Assistant director Jon Latham said: "With Christmas rapidly approaching and the holidays this year falling over a weekend, we would also like to remind anyone due to donate to step forward now, weather permitting.
"Maintaining healthy stocks of all blood groups is essential as people will still be in hospital and requiring treatment.
"If you have an appointment please try to keep it and if, for some reason you cannot, please rebook your appointment as soon as possible. New donors are always welcome too."
* Meanwhile professional leaders have stepped up appeals for pregnant women to come forward for the flu vaccine as it emerged that swine flu is taking a deadly toll.
Several pregnant women are known to have been critically ill after contracting the H1N1 virus.
The virus was included in the seasonal vaccine and pregnant women were among those invited to receive it.
But recent estimates suggest that fewer than half have agreed to do so – and GP leaders say doctors are reporting this as a problem.
The Royal College of Midwives warned that women who are expecting a baby are vulnerable to complications from any kind of flu – as well as H1N1.
Deputy general secretary Louise Silverton said: "Pregnant women should not panic, but we do advise them to have the vaccine and practice good hand hygiene to prevent the spread of germs.
"The evidence suggests that the triple vaccine for flu is very safe for pregnant women and there is no evidence of this type of vaccine doing any harm at all during pregnancy."
The British Medical Association appealed at the weekend for the government to step up its flu awareness campaign.
GP committee chair Dr Laurence Buckman said: "Family doctors are already seeing high rates of influenza and they have been telling us that they are also seeing a lower uptake than usual for seasonal flu immunisation.
"Myths persist about the safety of the vaccine, especially after swine flu. The vaccine has been thoroughly tested and we strongly urge patients to make an appointment with their GP and get vaccinated.
"Our message to patients is that it is not too late to get immunised. Most GP practices have vaccinations available and would be more than willing to immunise eligible patients."
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