A SOUTH Derbyshire blood donor has been recognised for her life-saving work after reaching a blood donation milestone.
Angela Davies, 57, from Chapel Street, Ticknall, was presented with a crystal award at an NHS Blood and Transplant awards ceremony at the East Midlands Conference Centre after giving her 75th blood donation.
Mrs Davies, a careline operator, has been donating blood for 38 years, since she made her first donation with a friend.
She said: “I thought it was great getting the award.
“I have been giving blood for as long as I have old enough so to get to this many is quite exciting.
“It only takes five or 10 minutes every three months to make the donation and it does so much good – it’s hard to get your head around it. It’s so quick and simple yet so worthwhile.”
Mrs Davies said since receiving the award she made another two donations and has her sites set on reaching donation number 100.
She said: “I will certainly be continuing to give blood. The only time I have had a break was when I had my son and when I moved house.
“I only have another 23 donations to go before I get to 100 – I just hope my arm doesn’t wear out.”
Through donating 75 pints of blood Angela could have saved the lives of 225 people.
She added: “I find it very rewarding. It only takes a few minutes to donate, it’s painless and it saves lives.
“Everybody ought to do it. It’s very worthwhile and you get a good feeling from it so the more people who do it the better.
“Hospitals are desperate for blood so I think more people should do it.”
Upcoming donation sessions will be held Hood Park Leisure Centre, North Street, Ashby-de-la-Zouch from 9.45am to12.30pm and 2pm to 4pm on Sunday 31 March.
To make a donation call the 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk
