Sofia's National Centre of Transfusion Haematology has received a new mobile blood donation unit worth almost €100,000. The donor is the association "I Believe and I Help".

It is the fourth unit the association has bought and paid for in full under its own project. Two of them came this year, worth €200,000 in total. Founder Vladislav Nikolov said hundreds of people gave money to make it possible.

Actor Hristo Pudev gave the first blood in the new unit.

Dr Krasimira Terzieva, the centre's director, said the unit will help the centre reach donors who live too far away or cannot spare the time. The centre also sends teams to companies and organisations. They provide the rooms, and the centre brings staff and equipment. The latest drive was yesterday in Samokov. In September, the first one further afield took place in Gotse Delchev, where 79 people gave blood.

Blood donation slots are booked almost until Christmas. "The shortage of nurses remains a problem," Dr Terzieva said. Opening hours have not changed for now. A two-shift schedule needs 10 nurses, and with more nurses and more transfusion haematology specialists it would be possible.

Nikolov said the donation is for the specialists who have given themselves to their work for years, and for people who need blood. He said all donations received go entirely to the campaign.

The association has donated more than 30 new children's ambulances, incubators, the first specialised mobile blood donation units in Bulgaria, medical equipment and other gear.