Blood donors rewarded for continued commitment

A recent awards ceremony recognised the commitment and dedication of more than 75 donors from across the south east

A NUMBER of blood donors from West Berkshire have been rewarded for their commitment to donating large amounts of blood throughout their lives.

An awards ceremony was recently held in Oxford to recognise and celebrate the commitment and dedication of more than 75 donors from across the south east, who between them have donated the equivalent of 5,250 pints of blood.

Among them were five people from West Berkshire, including Geoffrey Drewe, from Newbury, who received a crystal decanter for donating blood 100 times.

Also rewarded for their continued efforts were Jo Bindloss-Gibb, from Hungerford, Michael Harmsworth, from Thatcham, Colin Evans, from Newbury and David Leonard, from Beedon.

They each received a crystal plate for donating blood 75 times and Mr Harmsworth, who has now donated 77 times since first giving blood in 1969, said it was nice to be recognised in that way.

“It is nothing off my back to do it,” the 62-year-old said, adding that it could help to save someone's life.

“I just feel it is such an important thing to do and everyone who is fit and able should do it.”

Mrs Bindloss Gibb, aged 57, said she followed in her mother's footsteps in donating and said her two sons had now followed suit themselves.

Mr Evans, aged 58, said he had been donating blood since the age of 18, adding that he followed in his father's footsteps.

He said: “You would expect it to be there when you need it, but if you don't do it for other people then you are asking for more than you are prepared to give.”

Mr Leonard, aged 67, said there was some satisfaction for donors knowing they could be helping someone, while he added that it was vital that more people were encouraged to donate.

Meanwhile, the assistant director for marketing and donor contact service at NHS Blood and Transplant, Jon Latham, said: “The commitment that these donors have shown to donating blood throughout their lives is remarkable.

“They are shining examples to others thinking of donating for the first time or to those who haven't donated for a while.”

Anyone wanting to donate should be aged between 17 and 65, weigh at least 50kg (7 stone 12lbs) and be in general good health.

To book an appointment, call 0300 123 23 23 or visit: www.blood.co.uk