Dedicated blood donors from the Isle of Wight who have potentially saved more than 5,000 lives have been recognised by NHS Blood and Transplant for their loyalty and commitment.
The 13 blood donors and 1 platelet donor, who have collectively made 1,721 donations, were honoured for their lifesaving efforts with commemorative medals at the ceremony at the New Holmwood Hotel in Cowes earlier this month. All those at the ceremony had donated on at least 100 occasions.
Robert Redhead, 67, a technical author from Cowes, has been giving blood for 49 years after being inspired by Tony Hancock’s ‘The Blood Donor’ sketch. Robert said:
“Giving blood is a very easy and painless way to help others. My grandson Finley was diagnosed with leukaemia 4 years ago at the age of seven. He eventually had a stem cell transplant after a massive appeal. During his long treatment he required countless blood transfusions and also platelets; I realised just how important it is to donate so that others like Finley can be helped. Finley continues to go from strength to strength.”
Platelet donor Peter Tuppen, 65, a retired mechanical engineer from Sandown, has been donating blood and platelets since 1984. Platelets are the clotting factors in the blood which help to stem blood loss and are often given to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or those with certain types of anaemia.
Peter said:
“Giving platelets doesn’t take me very long, doesn’t cost anything and helps people.”
Peter has made 271 donations and was recognised for his dedication.
Each blood donation can potentially save the lives of up to 3 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 3% of the population who give blood, just 1% reach 100 donations.
Guest speaker Ashton Howard, from Gurnard, thanked donors for the blood donations that she received while being treated for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Ashton said:
“I’m truly grateful to all those that donate blood, I would have never recovered from my treatment without the amazing dedicated donors that helped save my life! I feel so blessed and thankful to have been given such an amazing gift and opportunity to enjoy life again!”
Featured photo L-R: Ronald Reeves; Anne Mundell; Derek Toms; David Langridge; Keith Love; Robert Redhead; Mark McDonagh; Geoff Brown; Peter Tuppen; Susan Cheney; George Bernowicz; Keith Holt; Peter Cooper and Graham Croker.
