Denis Stevens, Heywood blood donor honoured

Denis Stevens honoured at the Donor Recognition Event with Rick Mills

Dedicated blood donor Denis Stevens, aged 75, from Heywood, was recognised by NHS Blood and Transplant for his loyalty and commitment at a ceremony held at Ordsall Hall in Manchester. Denis, who has been donating blood for 55 years, received his award for reaching his 100th donation milestone.

The lifesaving efforts of twenty-one blood donors from the region, who had collectively made over 2,600 donations, were also honoured with commemorative medals at the ceremony.

Each blood donation can help up to three people. If a donor has given blood 100 times, they have potentially helped save or improve the lives of up to 300 patients. Less than three per cent of people aged 17-70 have given blood in the last year. And only one per cent of donors reach 100 donations.

Blood recipient Rick Mills was invited to speak at the ceremony. Rick, a technical trainer aged 42 from Flixton, received a life-saving blood transfusion following an operation as a child. He was again reminded 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. Kerry needed 13 units of blood to stabilise her condition. Two years later, when their daughter Amy was born, Kerry needed another transfusion. Rick now spends a lot of his spare time actively promoting blood donation through physical challenges and instead of asking for sponsorship money, Rick asks people to donate blood instead.

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 as this – pay in now as you never know when you, a family member or a friend may need it.”

Amanda Eccles, Senior Marketing Coordinator at NHS Blood and Transplant, said:
“Our loyal donors, like those honoured at our ceremony at Ordsall Hall, are very special to us, which is why such an event gives us the opportunity to say a real thanks. These donors are an inspiration to us all.

“I hope they have inspired others to donate and save lives too. It’s particularly important at this busy time of year - when Christmas shopping, parties and catching up with friends and family often take priority - that donors make and keep appointments to donate. By doing so, you’ll be able to help us keep blood stocks healthy and help hospital patients this winter.”

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