Three years ago, Ms Dougall was 26 weeks pregnant with her fifth child when she haemorrhaged and was taken to the Mercy Hospital for Women.

The haemorrhage brought on the premature birth of William, which was done by an emergency caesarian.

Because of the loss of blood she also required a hysterectomy.

Over the next two days she lost an incredible amount of blood and needed 11 transfusions.

At one point she went into cardiac arrest.

But doctors were able to revive her and she was taken into surgery with internal bleeding. William also needed a blood transfusion to survive.

Looking back, Ms Dougall says she knows she wouldn’t be here today if other people hadn’t given blood.

“This is not just a gift, which is enough,” she said.

“It’s doing something that is life-saving.”

Ms Dougall said there was a lot of attention given to blood donors helping people with life-threatening diseases, but it was important to remember that it was also helping mothers and babies.

“Premature babies don’t really get the same attention,” she said.

“Without the blood we wouldn’t be here today.”

The mother of five is now also a blood donor and plans to give blood this week.

“It’s just amazing what can happen in the blink of an eye,” she said.

“It’s an incredibly important thing to do.”

Each year, more than 1.4 million blood donations are used in Australia to save the lives of people with cancer, heart, stomach and bowel disease, accident or trauma victims, pregnant mothers and newborn babies.

The “Where is the Heart” campaign was launched on Monday and will run until March 12.

Those who want to show their community pride and spirit are asked to donate blood and help win the title for Bendigo.

To give blood, call 13 14 95 or visit www.donateblood.com.au