HE needs a blood transfusion every week just to stay alive.

Andrew Seery was born with a rare condition, called erythro protoporphyria (EPP) where his body constantly tries to attack his liver.

All of his life he has been sensitive to light, unable to go on holiday, to music festivals or at its worst, even hang the washing in the garden.

As he entered his 30s he became more and more ill with the painful condition, also known as 'vampires disease' which affects just one in every 100,000 people.

His body does not make new blood cells properly and instead carries poisonous porphryns into his liver, causing liver failure.

But in 2003, at 34-years-old he was given a liver transplant which has not only saved his life - it has allowed him to do things he never thought he would be able to do and fulfil his dream of being able to watch his two children grow up.

It has given him a new lease of life.

He is able to stay outside for longer, travel the world and go to festivals.

And he has been able to share special moments with his family.

But since the transplant he has needed a fresh pint of blood every week to prevent his blood cells destroying his new liver.

The 46-year-old from Oliver's Battery in Winchester is one of thousands of people in the UK reliant on regular blood donors just to stay alive.

Andrew, who owns Trilby's hairdressers in Basingstoke with his wife Geraldine, said: "It was so bad that I couldn't even stand in front of the window to wash the dishes.

"At first nobody knew what was going on. One day I just went yellow.

"I just wanted to be able to live long enough to see my kids grow up.

"Since the transplant I have tried to live two lives and do things I couldn't do when I was younger."

"I have been to music festivals and outdoor events. Being able to do that is absolutely amazing, and being able to go on holiday and enjoy it while still being careful in the sun. I never thought I would be able to travel anywhere."

Now he is urging more people to give blood and help save more lives.

He visited WestQuay shopping centre with the NHS Blood and Transplant Service to share his story and encourage others to donate.

While they were there 40 new donors signed up.

The service also provided shoppers with information about their life saving work and told them what their blood group is.

Andrew added: "I always thought if you needed blood it was at the hospital. You don't realise there's a limited amount.

"Giving blood means you're saving lives but only a small percentage of the population give blood."

For more information about how to give blood visit: nhsbt.nhs.uk.