Cold and flu season has resulted in a drop off of donor numbers, and 120 more are needed in October to bolster blood stocks.

Mudgee student Lucy Hawkins bravely rolled up her sleeves in Dubbo on Tuesday for her first blood donation.

Ms Hawkins said she decided to donate blood after her sister and friend gave it a go. Unfortunately she’s had bad timing for the Mudgee Mobile Donor Centre.

“I tried in Mudgee twice. The first time I was sick and the second time I had a dentist appointment,” she said.

The Blood Search has launched the Hunt for Red in October campaign to encourage newcomers. While Sean Connery won’t be there to hold any hands, the Dubbo centre is well-known for its great milkshakes.

It was a great feeling knowing she had saved three lives, Ms Hawkins said.

She said she encouraged others to also take up the challenge and donate, as they could need the blood products themselves in the future.

One in three people will need blood in their lifetime and yet only one in 30 donate.

Blood Service spokesperson Ronny Maroun said he was appealing for donors who may not have been able to give blood in winter to come back and start donating again.

“We’d also like to extend the invitation to anyone else who is thinking about giving blood,” he said

“It only takes an hour to do and you can save three lives with every donation. More importantly, you’ll be saving the lives of cancer patients, road trauma victims, pregnant mothers, unborn babies and people undergoing emergency surgeries.”

To learn more about blood donation and to make an appointment, visit donateblood.com.au or call 13 14 95.