#BleedForEngland.

The NHS is kicking off the season to a winning start, after recruiting three new donors for the UK’s Blood Bank.

Ahead of the start of the Rugby World Cup and in a heart warming appeal, England rugby legends Jonny Wilkinson, Martin Johnson, Ben Kay were all filmed donating blood as they gave something back to their sporting fans, urging rugby supporters across the UK to do the same.

Their blood was then mixed with paint to create unique images of the English Rose, the symbol of the nation’s team.

When asked why he was giving blood, Ben Kay replied “Because it saved my mate’s wife”.

The NHS are hoping the appeal will create 100,000 new donors, after it emerged that less than 3% of us have donated in the last year.

Video (c) YouTube