Giving blood for the cause
Devoted blood donors from Leighton, who saved up to 675 lives between them, were recognised by NHS Blood and Transplant for their loyalty and commitment to at a ceremony.
The lifesaving efforts of 61 blood donors from across the South East were honoured with crystal awards at the ceremony at the Hilton Hotel, Watford.
Leighton Buzzard donors Henry Adam, Ken Mounter and Roy Sanders, all received awards for making 75 donations.
Mr Mounter, who was originally motivated by his geography teacher and brother who were donors, said:
“To encourage others to donate blood, I would say just do it. Apart from the free coffee, juice and crisps, it is worthwhile.”
Dr Adams, a retired scientist and research manager, said: “It is a very selfless act that has an enormous benefit to people in desperate need. It is pretty painless and you get a cup of tea.”
Kathy Jones, of Wing, who was presented with her 75th donation award, said: “I was motivated to register as a blood donor after being encouraged by my work colleagues. I then continued to give blood due to social conscience and a desire to help.”
Each blood donation can potentially save the lives of up to three people so if a donor has given blood 75 times they have potentially helped save the lives of up to 225 patients in local hospitals through donating blood. Out of the four per cent of the eligible population who give blood, only three per cent ever manage to reach 75 donations and just one per cent reach 100.
Dominic Sutherland, Lead Donor Relations Manager for Bedfordshire at NHSBT, said: “Sometimes you forget how much of a difference giving blood can make to people’s lives. Ceremonies like this allow us to say a massive thank you to all the donors that take time out of their busy lives to do something life saving on a regular basis. These donors are an inspiration to us all and we hope that they continue donating and saving the lives of many more people.”
Anyone wanting to donate for the first time should be aged between 17-65, weighing at least 50 kg (7 stone 12lbs) and in general good health. If you’ve donated before, you can start again up to your 70th birthday and there is no upper age limit for donors who have donated in the last two years. To book an appointment call the Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk
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Weather for Leighton Buzzard
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North west
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