Blood donor is 100 not out

MARY Moulton from Chadderton collects her award and certificate for 100 blood donations

A DEDICATED blood donor from Chadderton has been recognised after making her 100th donation.

Mary Moulton (67) received an award and certificate from NHS Blood and Transplant during a celebration at Gorton Monastery.

Mary was one of 32 blood donors from the region to be recognised at the event, with the group collectively responsible for making 5,700 donations over the years.

Each donation can save the lives of up to three people.

Blood recipient Rick Mills was also invited to speak at the event after receiving a life-saving blood transfusion following an operation as a child.

The 42-year-old was reminded again of the importance of blood donation in 2007 when his wife Kerry went into premature labour with their second son Christian.

Devastatingly, Christian was stillborn and Kerry suffered a life-threatening haemorrhage, needing 13 units of blood to stabilise her condition.

Two years later, when their daughter Amy was born, Kerry needed another blood transfusion.

Challenges

Rick said: "I owe my life, my wife's life, and therefore my children's lives, to those who selflessly give blood.

"You can't make blood, it has to be donated, and I see it like this - pay in now as you never know when you, a family member or a friend may need it."

Rick now spends a lot of his spare time actively promoting blood donation through physical challenges and instead of asking for sponsorship money, he asks people to donate blood instead.

Amanda Eccles, senior marketing co-ordinator at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "These dedicated blood donors are very special to us, which is why this ceremony gives us the opportunity to say a real heartfelt thanks.

"Rick's story reminds us how important their donations have been.

"Between them, they have saved thousands of lives, and improved the lives of countless others who have required blood transfusions.

"These donors are an inspiration to us all."

In general, as long as you are fit and healthy, weigh over 7 stone 12 lbs (50kg) and are aged between 17 and 66 (up to 70 if you have given blood before) you should be able to give blood.

If you are over 70, you need to have given blood in the last two years to continue donating.

To book an appointment call the donor line on 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk.