DEDICATED blood donor Jean Bull from Kinwarton, in Alcester, who has potentially saved more than 300 lives has been recognised by NHS Blood and Transplant for her loyalty and commitment honoured at a special celebration event.

Jean, aged 74, who has given 100 blood donations, was honoured for her lifesaving efforts with a commemorative medal at the ceremony at Dunchurch Park Hotel.

Jean, who is retired, joined 34 other blood donors from across Warwickshire. All those at the ceremony had donated on at least 100 occasions.

Jean has been giving blood for over 40 years after seeing a local advert appealing for blood donors.

Jean said: "Giving blood is very important; one never knows when you might need the service yourself."

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 hospital patients through donating blood.

Out of the three per cent of the population who give blood, just one per cent reach 100 donations.

Guest speaker Natasha Pollock, from Stratford upon Avon, thanked donors for the 39 units of blood which saved her life on Christmas Day in 2015 after a complicated emergency c-section.

Natasha said: "I just 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, senior marketing coordinator at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "Jean and all our loyal donors are very special to us, which is why such an event gives us the opportunity to say a real heartfelt thanks. These donors are an inspiration to us all."

For more information of giving blood, visit blood.co.uk.