DEDICATED Bromsgrove blood donor Dave Mayo has been given a special award after giving blood 105 times, potentially saving 315 lives.
The Stratford Gardens resident was among 44 people from across the Midlands who were honoured for their efforts at a special ceremony held by the NHS Blood and Transplant service.
Dave, 55, a self-employed outdoor pursuits instructor, has been donating blood since 1978.
He said: “I started giving blood due to a sense of concern for my fellow human beings, we never know who will need blood and working as a member of the Derby Mountain Rescue I have witnessed many situations where casualties have required blood transfusions as a result of their injuries.”
Only three per cent of the whole UK population give blood and only one per cent of those get to 100 donations – the marvellous milestone Dave has reached.
Balbinder Kaur, who suffers from Thalassaemia, was a guest speaker at the ceremony and thanked donors for the monthly blood transfusions she receives.
Balbinder said if it was not for blood donors she would not be here.
“Receiving blood feels like receiving liquid gold.”
Karen Healy, the senior marketing coordinator at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “Dave and all our loyal donors are very special to us and such an event gives us the opportunity to say a real heartfelt thanks.
“These donors are an inspiration to us all.”
Anyone who is fit and healthy, weighs over 7st 12lbs (50kg) and is between 17 and 66 can give blood. Some people, if they are 70 and have given blood in the last two years, can also donate.
Call 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk to book an appointment.
