107 NW donorshave saved closeto 3,000 lives

One hundred and seven blood donors from all over the North West were invited to attend a special Gold Badge Awards night at White Horse Hotel, Campsie.

All of the donors had given at least 50 units. Two had actually donated an amazing 100 units.

Paul McElkerney said: “We are delighted to have this opportunity to thank these donors.

“Their achievement in saving so many lives is truly amazing and many people are alive today because these donors give blood regularly.”

Charles Kinney, Donor Services General Manager (NIBTS) added: “There is a constant need for blood. We need almost 1,500 people to come forward each and every week.

“Many people do not realise just how quickly their donation will be transfused into one of the 500 patients who receive blood each week.”

On the night among the special guests were recipients of blood transfusions, who were there to thank the blood donors for saving their lives.

NIBTS collects, tests and issues 62,000 donations each year. With almost 1,000 donation sessions held at 240 locations spread throughout the province.

But the service needs to recruit around 200 new donors each week. If you need any information on how to become a donor, contact NIBTS by calling 0500534666, text blood to 60081 or visit www.nibts.org