Twelve-year-old Josh Johansen has had about 100 blood transfusions in his lifetime.

Josh was diagnosed with retinoblastoma (cancer of the retina) when he was five years old.

About five years later, Josh developed a second primary form of cancer called esthesioneuroblastoma (cancer of the nasal cavity) and a mass the size of a man’s fist at the base of his skull.

For Josh and his mother Alison Johansen, a cancellation at the Red Cross blood service has been the difference between immediate medical assistance and a seven hour wait.

Ms Johansen said a small amount of time out of a blood donor’s day made a big difference for people like Josh.

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