Blood brother George is honoured with BEM
Stonehouse pensioner George Gray has collected his British Empire Medal, awarded in the New Year’s Honours list, at a special ceremony.
The 87-year-old was recognised ‘for services to the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service’ after donating an incredible 140 pints of blood.
George – who signed up to donate his first pint in 1948 – was invited to attend the presentation at the Civic Centre in Motherwell.
It was also attended by Vice Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, John Brown, both North and South Lanarkshire provosts Jean Jones and Ian Mcallan, as well as Paul Jukes, chief executive of NLC, and Lindsay Freeland, chief executive of SLC.
George made regular donations of blood through the decades until he “became too old” in 1999.
At one point, his incredible 51 years of consecutive donating saw him hold the World Record.
Humble George, though delighted with his recognition in the Honours list, said he simply started donating as “people always need it” and it was “never any bother”.
A BEM – British Empire Medal – is awarded for “hands-on service” such as “long-term charitable or voluntary activity”.
A tribute to George on the day stated: “george has been donating blood for over 50 years now. He holds every possible honour from the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service and is estimated to have contributed to saving the lives of over 500 people.
“In addition to receiving awards from the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, he received the Armada Silver Award presented to him by the Lord Provost of Glasgow and has been given an award for service to the community by South Lanarkshire Council.
“George has also been active for many years with the Stonehouse Gala Committee which has provided a day of celebration since 1948 for children and residents of the community.
“He is also heavily involved with his local church, St Ninian’s, and has received awards in recognition of his dedication to others.
“George regularly visits elderly and frail patients in Stonehouse Hospital and care homes and is a credit to the community, always thinking of others and helping those less able who cannot look after themselves.”
Christina Mckelvie MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse said:“mr Gray represents all that is wonderful about Stonehouse – a welcoming, caring and warm community.
“Mr Gray is an absolute credit to himself, his family and the entire community of Stonehouse and I warmly congratulate him on receiving his BEM.”