BLOOD donors who have potentially saved more than 1,800 lives were presented with medals by NHS Blood and Transplant, for their dedication to helping others.

Six Basingstoke residents, who collectively have made 612 donations, were among 45 people who were presented with medals for donating blood more than 100 times each.

Each time a donation is made it can save the lives of three people, and NHS Blood is encouraging more people to follow in the footsteps of these award winners, by donating their blood.

Only an estimated three per cent of the UK’s population regularly gives blood, something NHS Blood and Transplant is hoping to change. 

Ena Bull, one of the Basingstoke residents who received the honour, has been donating for 48 years, since a blood transfusion helped her mother.

The 67-year-old said: “My mother had a long illness and had a number of operations requiring blood transfusions. 

“I would ask everyone who can, to give blood and think of all the people they are able to help.” 

Maureen Spencer, from Basingstoke has been a donor since 1967.

The 78-year-old’s husband was helped by blood donors, and so she understands the importance of donating blood to save lives. 

At the ceremony held at the Botley Grange Hotel, in Southampton, guest speaker Andrew Seery thanked the 45 recipients. 

He said that without blood transfusions, his life would be very different. 
Andrew has erythropoietic protoporphyria, a rare disorder which causes a build-up of chemicals in the blood, causing sensitivity to light. 

He said: “Thanks to blood donors I have seen my children grow up and go on to study at university. 

“Blood and platelet donors allow me to have quality time with my family and it is a privilege to meet them.”

NHS Blood and Transplant is always looking for more donors, so if you are fit and healthy, weigh more than seven stone and are aged between 17 and 66 years, you are eligible to be a donor.

There is a blood donor session being held in Basingstoke at Carnival Hall, in Council Road, on Friday, January 22.

Time slots can be booked online.

For more details call 0300 123 23 23 or visit blood.co.uk.