Blood given by Douglas could have saved 225 (From Evesham Journal)

Blood given by Douglas could have saved 225

11:20am Monday 10th September 2012 in Evesham

A BLOOD donor has been rewarded for rolling up his sleeves to save lives 75 times.

Douglas Edgeworth, of Digby Road, Evesham, was honoured at an awards ceremony held by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), where he was presented with a crystal plate.

Each blood donation can potentially save the lives of up to three people so if a donor has given blood 75 times they have potentially helped save the lives of up to 225 patients.

The 59-year-old fabricator who has been giving blood for 42 years said: “My late father-inlaw gave blood and I went with him and have continued to give blood ever since. The thoughts that my contribution may save a life has kept me giving.”

Shai Mistry, donor relations manager at NHSBT, said: “The commitment that these blood donors have shown to donating blood throughout their lives is remarkable and we hope this inspires others.”

Blood has a limited shelf life of 35 days for red blood cells and just seven days for platelets, so donors are always needed. It is used for everything from major trauma treatment and cancer treatment to childbirth.

Anyone aged over 17 and in general good health can be a blood donor. For details, call 0300 123 23 23 or visit blood.co.uk.