Blood donors are being asked to volunteer for a study which could change the time people have to wait between donations.
The Leicester Blood Centre, in Vaughan Way, needs 2,480 volunteers for the study, which is being run by Cambridge and Oxford Universities and the NHS.
It will look at 50,000 participants nationwide to see if the length of time between blood donations can be more tailored to suit donors' age, weight, diet and inherited factors. Findings are expected in 2015 or 2016.
Stewart Tait, 32, from the city centre, has signed up as a volunteer and urges others to do the same.
"I lost my best mate to cancer and my wife is 28 and she had stomach cancer," he said.
"I think if you are willing to accept someone's blood, you should be willing to give it as well.
"If this study makes it easier for people to donate, then it's a benefit."
Anyone wishing to take part in the study must be able to give blood at the Leicester Donor Centre, be 18 years or over and have access to the internet with a valid e-mail address.
Men taking part will be asked to donate at intervals of eight, 10 or 12 weeks and women at 12, 14 and 16 week intervals over two years.
Blood samples will be collected at the start and end of the trial and donors will be monitored via an online questionnaire once every six months.
There will also be on-line tests of mental function and, for some donors, of physical activity monitoring.
Those interested in volunteering should make an appointment to donate at the Leicester Blood Centre by calling 0300 123 23 23, or visiting:
www.blood.co.uk.
