Blood team hail Robert after his 700th donation
A Blantyre man has been recognised after making his 700th blood donation to the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS).
Robert Wylie received a special thank you celebration that included a special plaque, flowers, balloons and gifts when he stopped by to make his latest donation.
This latest donation at the SNBTS Glasgow Donor Centre was Robert’s 701st in total – however one was made in Canada years ago – marking his 700th time in the hot seat in his home country of Scotland.
Robert told the Advertiser: “Giving Blood is the highlight of my day.
“I leave with a very special feeling, and I hope to be back here celebrating 800 donations in around eight years’ time.
“I’ve always found the Glasgow Donor Centre to be warm and welcoming and I would encourage others to give blood.
“If you’ve never done it before and you’re feeling nervous just speak to the staff they will put your mind at ease.
“I’ve actually given 701 donations. Many years ago when I was in Canada, I stopped by a donor centre but now it’s officially 700 in Scotland.”
Robert began as a whole blood donor 53 years ago. He has been able to achieve this number of donations by becoming a platelets donor.
Platelets are used to stop bruising and bleeding.
Many of Scotland’s patients need platelet transfusions, including cancer and leukaemia patients, premature babies and emergency admissions.
Unlike whole blood where you must wait a minimum of 12 weeks between donations you give platelets every four to six weeks.
A spokeswoman for the SNBTS said: “We were delighted to welcome Robert to Glasgow Donor Centre to make his 700th donation. It is an extraordinary achievement.
“We are incredibly grateful to Robert for his commitment to giving blood and improving the lives of Scotland’s patients.
“Robert has become a familiar face at Glasgow Donor Centre and the team look forward to welcoming him back for his next donation later this month.”
If you are inspired by Robert’s dedication to giving blood, you can check your eligibility to donate and make an appointment at www. scotblood.co.uk
Alternatively you can call 0345 90 90 999 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.