Fifty donations and going strong

Asix-hour round-trip was hardly a hurdle for one Wimmera resident to continue donating blood through COVID-19.

State Emergency Service Warracknabeal Unit officer Amanda Larcombe received a letter of thanks for her 50th blood donation following a trip to Ballarat to donate as part of Red Cross Lifeblood’s Emergency Services Blood Challenge.

Every year Mrs Larcombe donates as often as she can and frequents Lifeblood’s Mobile Donor Centre when it visits Horsham.

She is among many Wimmera residents who donates – Lifeblood reports Horsham and district averages 370 collections each time the mobile centre visits, which translates to saving more than 1000 lives.

Mrs Larcombe said her mother, who was also a regular donor, inspired her to donate from a young age.

“However and whenever I can, I do it,” she said.

“I’ve been donating for 37 years – I was 18 when I did my first donation.”

Lifeblood estimates Australia needs more than 29,000 donations every week, while about one in 30 Australians give blood each year.

Mrs Larcombe said she wanted to give back to those who needed it most.

“I have never needed a blood transfusion myself, I’m grateful for that. But there are a lot of people out there who do,” she said.

“It’s lifesaving. If you can’t get a blood donation and you need it, you could die. “If I can fit it in when I’m travelling, I will.” The mobile donation centre will be in Horsham again from June 22 to July 10 and Lifeblood is encouraging Wimmera residents to donate. Lifeblood spokesman Colin Littlejohn said demand for blood donations continued throughout COVID-19.

“Our demand hasn’t stopped due to COVID-19 – whole blood only last for two days, so we have to keep constant supplies all the time to keep up the demand of hospitals,” he said.

“If you haven’t donated before, or haven’t donated for a while, there’s never been a better time to start changing and saving lives.”

Mr Littlejohn said donors would undertake a Covid-19-related wellness check on arrival at the centre.

He said checks would include a questionnaire about wellbeing, recent travel and if the donor had been diagnosed with COVID-19 or in close contact with someone who had.

“In order to maintain social distancing in our centres, bookings are absolutely essential,” he said.

“If you are aged between 18 and 70, if you are feeling fit and well, you might be able to donate.”

Lifeblood’s Mobile Donor Centre will be at Dixon Drive, Horsham.

For bookings, people can call 13 14 95, visit www.lifeblood.com.au or download the Donate Blood App.

“I have never needed a blood transfusion myself, I’m grateful for that. But there are a lot of people out there who do. It’s lifesaving. If you can’t get a blood donation and you need it, you could die” – Amanda Larcombe