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Life-savers rewarded
Trevor Steward and Colin Perry
COMIC legend Tony Hancock couldn’t even manage an armful.
But two dedicated Wigan blood donors have been recognised for rolling up their sleeves to help save lives dozens of times.
Each blood donation can potentially save the lives of up to three people so if a donor has given blood 100 times they have potentially helped save the lives of up to 300 patients in local hospitals through donating blood.
And could have helped up to 225 people if they reach 75 donations.
This week they were honoured at an awards ceremony held by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT).
Trevor Steward and Colin Perry were presented with a crystal award after reaching the wonderful milestone of 75 donations.
Mr Steward, aged 49, has been giving blood for 32 years. The chartered civil engineer from Billinge said: “I just felt it was something worthwhile doing. There is nothing to fear, it makes you feel good that one day you might be helping to save someone’s life.”
The ceremony took place at the Marriott Hotel in Liverpool and a grateful recipient, Bethan Guy, presented them with their awards.
The 28-year-old from Liverpool needed blood when she haemorrhaged during childbirth in November 2012.
She said: “I lost 5.5l of blood. Without a blood transfusion I would not be here today to see my son, Alfie, grow up.
“Blood donors are an inspiration, they dedicate their time for people they don’t know. You take it for granted the blood will be there if you need it, it was so nice to meet the people who are so selfless. As a teacher I will be spreading the word among my pupils.”
The pair of donors were joined by others from across Merseyside and Cheshire, with around 50 donors being recognised for their dedication.
The awards ceremony is a way of acknowledging the commitment that long serving blood donors give to saving the lives of others. It is also hoped it will encourage existing and new donors.
Lead donor relations manager at NHSBT Barbara Blanche, said: “The dedication of all these donors is wonderful, we hope it inspires existing donors to keep giving regularly.
“New donors are also needed, especially young people, and we urge people to give it a try, each donation can potentially save three lives.
“As there are only 28 days in February, there’s always the chance that people may intend to give blood this month but leave it too late to make an appointment.
“As a result, we’d urge both existing and new donors to help save lives by booking into one of their local sessions as soon as they can.”
Upcoming sessions include Orrell Trinity Methodist Church in Fleet Street on Monday, February 25, 1.15pm to 3.30pm and 5.15pm to 7.30pm.
Anyone wanting to donate for the first time must be aged between 17 and 65, weighing at least 50kg (7st 12lbs) and be in general good health. If you’ve donated before, you can start again up to your 70th birthday and there is no upper age limit for donors who have donated in the last two years.
A regular supply of blood is vital - red cells last only 35 days and platelets only seven days.
l To book an appointment call the Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk
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Weather for Wigan
Thursday 23 May 2013
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