East Lancashire trio helped to save 675 lives through blood donations (From Lancashire Telegraph)

East Lancashire trio helped to save 675 lives through blood donations

1:14pm Friday 21st September 2012 in News By Catherine Pye, Health reporter

THREE blood donors from East Lancashire have been honoured for their role in helping to save 675 lives.

Ian Beardsworth, Nicholas Cort and Simon Painter were presented with a crystal plate at an NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) ceremony, after each reaching the milestone of 75 donations.

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

Mr Beardsworth, of Sawley Drive, Great Harwood, started giving blood in 1968.

The 62-year-old retired engineer said: “Both my parents donated and the service came to work. It’s a worthwhile cause and you may need it yourself one day.”

Mr Painter, of Earnsdale Road, Darwen, has been a donor since 1981.

The 54-year-old teacher said: “The death of my father due to a heart attack prompted me to start giving blood.

“Enabling quality of life for others has kept me giving. If you can do it, do it.” The awards were presented by Kristy Connaghan and her daughter Kitty, 12, who suffered a massive internal bleed after falling off her bike in April 2010.

Mrs Connaghan, 42, from Ashton, said: “We know that without the selfless donations from others then Kitty wouldn't be with us and that is something we cannot begin to comprehend. The transfusions she received were life saving and life changing.”

Currently 7,000 units of blood are needed every day across England and North Wales.

Hospitals in East Lancashire use about 30 units a day, totalling 11,000 units a year.

Barbara Blanche of NHSBT, said: “The commitment that these blood donors have shown to donating blood throughout their lives is remarkable and we hope this inspires others to follow.

“Blood has a limited shelf life of 35 days for red blood cells and just seven days for platelets.

“Because of this, it is vital that both existing and new blood donors come forward now, so we can ensure that vital supplies of blood are available for the patients that need them.”

GIVING BLOOD

• When you attend a donation drop-in session, a tiny drop of blood is taken from your fingertip. This allows nurses to check your haemoglobin levels to ensure that giving blood won't make you anaemic.
• If all is well, you will donate about 470ml of blood, an amount which is quickly replaced by your body.
• Once you have given blood, you should have a short rest before being given some refreshments usually a drink and biscuits. The process shouldn’t take more than an hour.
• Man can give blood every 12 weeks. Women can give every 16 weeks.
• Donors must be in generally good health, aged between 17 and 65, and weigh at least 50kg (7st 12Ib). Females aged under 20, weighing under 65kg (10st 3lb), and under 168cm (5’ 6”), need to be checked for blood volume before donating.
• For details of sessions held locally, call 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk.

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