Lifesavers honoured in top donors ceremony (From Crewe Guardian)

Lifesavers honoured in top donors ceremony

7:10am Friday 7th December 2012 in News By Matthew Taylor

DEDICATED blood donors from Crewe have been recognised for rolling up their sleeves to help save lives.

59-year-old postman, Eric Whelan, has been giving blood since 1973, and received a crystal decanter for reaching an inspirational 100 donations.

He said: “While at work volunteers were requested so I gave it a go and now it is part of normal life. If you are able to give it, just try.”

Every blood donation can potentially save three people’s lives.

Only 1 per cent of all blood donors reach t100 donations, which means they have potentially helped save the lives of up to 300 people.

Rosemary Cheetham and Joyce Tilley were presented with a crystal plate after reaching 75 donations.

Mrs Cheetham, 62, has been a blood donor since 1968.

She said: “The blood service came to work and I thought it would help someone. Also I had nearly needed blood myself after an accident in my teens.

“It is easy to do and is essential to lots of people. You can be assured it is going to help someone who desperately needs it.”

Awards at the NHS Blood and Transplant evening in Chester were presented by grateful donor recipient, Richard Huelin.

The 67-year-old gradfather suffered serious leg injuries in a car crash near Bickley, Cheshire, in 2009.

Hospitalised for a month, he received two transfusions.

Richard said: ““Every day is a day a blood donor has given back to me. I would like to thank all those people who give their blood unreservedly every day.

“I would encourage anyone who can do so to give blood, it saved my life.”

Anyone wanting to donate for the first time should be aged 17-65, weighing at least 50 kg (7 stone 12lbs) and in general good health.

Previous donors can start again up to their 70th birthday.

There is no upper age limit for donors who have donated in the last two years.

To book an appointment, call the Donor Line on 0300 123 2323 or visit www.blood.co.uk Upcoming donor sessions:-

 

Coppenhall Sports Hall

Sir William Stanier Centre

Coronation Street

Crewe

Friday 21 December

2pm-4pm and 5.30pm-7.30pm 

 

Crewe Alexandra Football Club

The Alexandra

Gresty Road

Crewe

Wednesday 16 January

2pm-4pm and 5.30pm-7.30pm