Grandson and grandad say: ‘Have a pint on us’

Vital donations are in the blood for Tait family

Blood is thicker than water...just ask Philip Tait and his grandson.

For this grandson and grandfather have teamed up to donated blood for the first and last time.

Philip Tait, 76, who has given blood for the past 58 years, did so for the final time on Friday, and was joined by, Thomas Tait, 18, as he made his first donation.

Since starting at the age of 18, Paisley man Philip has given blood a total of 125 times.

Now, he has passed the torch to Thomas, who is to take up the tradition at the same age as his grandfather did.

Philip said the day was bittersweet for him.

He claimed: “I feel a wee bit sentimental to have donated for the last time – I could carry on, but I’m 76 now – I think that will do.

“My grandson is the same age as I was when I first started, so I think that’s pretty amazing.”

The pair headed to Nelson Mandella Square in Glasgow and each made a whole blood donation.

During such a donation, approximately one pint is given.

The body replaces the cells lost after around six to 12 weeks.

Men must wait a minimum of 12 weeks between each donation and it’s 16 for women.

Philip said donating blood runs through the veins of his family.

He told: “My father gave blood after he fought in the war and of his eight children each of us followed suit – I’ve done it for the longest, mind you.”

“I made my first donation in 1959 while working on the shipyards, and have done it ever since.

“My son, Thomas’s father does too, he’s donated 77 times.”

Giving blood saves lives – providing a lifeline in an emergency or helping those who need long-term treatments.

Philip donates one pint of his blood four times a year at St Mirren’s Cathedral, Paisley.

He says it’s what healthy people should be doing.

He added: “Out of the healthy population of people who could be giving blood, only around 10 per cent do.

“Regular donors are asked to donate four times a year.

If say 20 per cent of people gave blood, that would probably drop to twice a year.

“I feel good after giving blood, not just for myself but for the recipient who needs it.

“I’d like to think I’ve helped people and I wish them all the best for a happy life.”