Life-long blood donors honoured (From Gazette & Herald)

Life-long blood donors honoured

12:05pm Wednesday 19th September 2012 in News

BLOOD donors who have given blood hundreds of times between them, have been recognised for rolling up their sleeves to help save lives.

Four Ryedale donors were among those rewarded for their commitment at a recent awards ceremony held by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT).

Anna Weaver of Malton received a crystal decanter for making 100 donations, a milestone reached by just one per cent of all blood donors.

A semi-retired software engineer, she has been a donor for 45 years and said: “A good society depends on the healthy and wealthy giving what support they can to the disadvantaged.

“You never know when you or a member of your family or community might need blood, so it has to come from somewhere.”

Brian Horton, 69, a retired rail worker from Malton, was presented with a crystal plate after reaching the milestone of 75 donations. He has been donating for more than five decades.

He said: “I was encouraged by colleagues during my teenage years.”

Robert Evans and Brian Stockley of Pickering also received crystal plates in recognition of having given blood 75 times.

Mr Evans, 71, a retired consultant, said: “Recognition as a student of the importance of blood to sick people of all sorts prompted me to start giving.

“Constant exposure during my professional life of the importance of blood and blood products has kept me giving.

“It is a simple and undemanding way to help others, it gives a great personal satisfaction.”

Mr Stockley, 73, started giving blood 51 years ago, and said: “I volunteered in the RAF and have donated ever since.

“It only takes about 20 minutes of your time but could be a lifesaver.”

Donna Batty, lead donor relations manager at NHSBT, said: “The commitment that these blood donors have shown to donating blood throughout their lives is remarkable and we hope this inspires others.

“Donated blood is used not only in accident and emergency situations, but also for patients undergoing surgery and receiving treatment for cancer and blood diseases, such as leukaemia. Currently 7,000 units of blood are needed every day to help save the lives of sick and injured patients.”

The ceremony took place at the Royal York Hotel and the awards were presented by blood recipient David Copes, who needed 40 units of blood to save his life after a motorcycle accident near Leeds.

Anyone aged over 17 and in general good health can become a blood donor. For details of local sessions phone 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk