They’ve saved countless lives by donating hundreds of pints of their own blood.
Now dedicated donors from Huddersfield and across Yorkshire have been thanked their loyalty and commitment.
NHS Blood and Transplant handed out commemorative medals to 49 donors who had collectively made 5,350 donations.
Among the donors from Huddersfield who were honoured were Graham Readshaw, Rodney Hill, Gordon Bray, Kenneth Powell, David Hall, Anne Hirst and Richard Searby .
Between them they have saved or improved up to 2,100 lives
The event at Hazlewood Castle in Tadcaster, featured guest speaker David Copes, aged 64 from Stanley near Wakefield, who received over 40 life-saving donations after a serious road traffic accident in October 2007.
He said: “Blood donors make a selfless commitment to give up their spare time, and their blood, to save the lives of complete strangers. “Without their dedication I would not be here today.”
Amanda Eccles, Senior Marketing Coordinator at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “These loyal donors are very special to us, which is why such an event gives us the opportunity to say a real heart felt thanks.
“Between them, they have saved thousands of lives, and improved the lives of countless others who have required blood transfusion. These donors are an inspiration to us all.”
Each blood donation can save the lives of 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.
Out of the 4% of the eligible population who give blood just one per cent reaches 100 donations.
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
