A TRIO of dedicated blood donors have potentially saved more than 900 lives between them.
Jane Knifton from Leamington, and Moira Keddie and Tony Lange from Southam, have collectively made 311 donations. They all say having family who required the service spurred them to sign up and help save lives.
They were honoured for their lifesaving efforts with commemorative medals at a recent ceremony held by at NHS Blood and Transplant Service.
The three local donors were joined by 31 others from across the West Midlands.
Tony, a 56 year-old systems manager, began donating blood when he was 18 after his dad needed a blood donation.
Tony said: “My father had a heart attack and was given blood products from donors. I decided then that I would become a donor to help others.
“I started donating blood at college when I was 18. The donation process is nothing to be afraid of. The staff are helpful and giving blood helps change lives by giving a few minutes of my time.”
Jane, a 71 year-old retiree, donated after her mother needed blood following a perforated ulcer and after heart surgery.
And retired 67 year-old Moira has been donating blood for more than 50 years.
She said: “Giving blood doesn’t cost anything and helped my daughter in law after she gave birth.”
Stratford mum Natasha Pollock who received 39 units of blood on Christmas Day in 2015 after a complicated emergency c-section thanked donors during the event.
She said: “I wouldn’t be alive without blood donors. My children wouldn’t have their mother and my husband wouldn’t have his wife.
“The staff at the Worcester hospital called me their ‘Christmas miracle’ after telling me I hold the record for the most blood transfused in any single procedure at the hospital.“
Karen Healy from NHS Blood and Transplant, thanked the donors.
She said: “These loyal donors are very special to us, which is why such an event gives us the opportunity to say a real heartfelt thanks.
“Between them, they have saved hundreds of lives and improved the lives of countless others who have required blood transfusions. These donors are an inspiration to us all.”
Visit www.blood.co.uk to find out more about donating.
