A MAN who first started giving blood 36 years ago has been honoured for making 250 donations.

Neil Stevenson, from Blackburn, gave his blood for the first time in 1983 while he has also given platelets and plasma since 2009.

The 65-year-old has now been awarded with a certificate, medal and pin badge as a thank you for his efforts from NHS Blood and Transplant.

After making 252 donations, he stopped giving blood last October due to a blood clot on his left leg.

Mr Stevenson said: “I first started giving blood after a mobile blood donation van came round to my old work at the aerospace in Samlesbury.

“I also saw how children and grown ups needed blood and it inspired me to keep going.

“It became almost a hobby.”

And Mr Stevenson has undoubtedly saved countless lives through his blood donations, as every 10 donations can save up to 80 babies or 30 adult lives.

Mr Stevenson travels all the way to Norfolk House, Manchester to give his blood and has given blood in Blackburn, Accrington and Great Harwood in the past.

He added: “I feel proud to be recognised for my blood donation.”

To find out more about blood donation, visit www.blood.co.uk