Medals given to the loyal blood donors who’ve saved so many lives
MEDALS have been presented to 22 loyal blood donors from Leicester who collectively have saved and improved the lives of up to 6,600 people.
In all, 94 donors were honoured at the NHS Blood and Transplant ceremony, held at Stapleford Park, near Melton.
The Leicester contingent was Carl Mills, Mrs Gillian Tyler, Mrs Gail Lewitt, Robert Mullins, Mrs Juliet Briggs, Graham Squire, Mrs Jane Shaw, Mrs Christine Morbey, Graham Dempsey, David Watson, Mrs Karen Davis, John Wright, Roger Perkins, Manhur Naran, Mark Rockey, Peter Molesdale, Andrew Stean, David Beaumont, Rob Foster, Stephen Shelley, Bryan Reynolds and Raymond Webb, who between them have made 2,550 donations.
One unit of blood donated can save or improve the lives of up to three people, so 100 donations has potentially helped save the lives of up to 300 patients in hospitals through donating blood.
Out of all the people who give blood, just one in a 100 will reach 100 donations.
Former Leicester Mercury journalist David Watson, 71, from Birstall, said: “Blood donation is such an important thing to do, it’s quick and easy and saves lives, like my mother who has regular blood transfusions for Hodgkins Lymphoma.”
Mr Mills, 59, from Leicester, said: “Giving an hour out of your day every three months, you’re giving people who need blood a life and a chance to spend hours and months with their loved ones.”
Guest speaker at the ceremony Libby Harris, 37, from Husbands Bosworth, received life-saving blood transfusions after having a miscarriage at 11 weeks.
She said: “Without blood donors I wouldn’t be here, I wouldn’t be able to see my two children grow up and my wonderful husband every day. I can’t thank donors enough for their selfless act.
“It has been great to meet and thank the loyal donors who have given up their time to save people’s lives, they are truly amazing.”
Dominic Sutherland, head of donor marketing operations for the North, said: “We thank all our loyal donors for their incredible dedication and commitment.”
Leicester’s new blood donation centre is at Mansion House, Guildhall Lane, Leicester.
To become a donor, an appointment can be booked by calling 0300 123 23 23, or at the website below.
New donors who may not receive an appointment immediately are asked to make an appointment for the new year, as priority is being given to current donors to help build stocks for Christmas.