A MAN who received a life-saving blood transfusion as a child went on to become a long-serving blood donor himself as a way of saying thank-you.

He is Paul Cottam, of Hazel Grove in Blackburn, who has just received the Department of Health's Retirement Goblet Award after giving blood on 75 occasions. He made his first donation in 1971 at the age of 18.

Aged 45, Mr Cottam has had to retire has a blood donor because of his health.

"I would like to have carried on being a blood donor but have had to stop because I had a heart-attack." he said.

He was one of several veteran blood donors whose dedication to the donor service was recognised in a special presentation ceremony at Accrington Town Hall.

Another special award winner was Mr Michael Fear, of Catlow Hall Street, Oswaldtwistle, who received the Wedgwood Award for 100 donations.

Gold Awards for 50 donations were presented to Mrs Joan Hartley, Wordsworth Drive, Great Harwood; Mr John Crook, Laburnham Drive, Oswaldtwistle; Mr John Fox, Dorchester Avenue, Oswaldtwistle; Mr Trevor Holding, Appleby Close, Accrington; Mr Bernard Mullen, Lindadale Avenue, Accrington; Mr Hendrick Nieuwenhuizen, Woodley Avenue, Accrington; Mr Brian Smith, Whalley Road, Accrington; Mr John Standen, Windsor Avenue, Church, Accrington; and Mr Donald Bright, Blackburn Road, Clayton le Moors.

The awards were presented by the Mayor of Hyndburn, Councillor Maurice Cowell.

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