1:50pm Saturday 28th January 2012
A veteran blood donor from Skipton has been honoured for rolling up his sleeves to help save lives at a recent awards ceremony.
Philip Winstanley was presented with a commemorative crystal decanter for making 100 blood donations spanning more than four decades.
Only around four per cent of people give blood and of that four per cent, only one per cent manage to reach the 100 donation mark, making it a rare milestone.
As each blood donation can potentially help save the lives of three people, Mr Winstanley has potentially saved 300 lives since he began donating in 1968.
The 65-year-old retired legal clerk said aiming for the “magic 100” had kept him donating over the years.
“I thought I should have a century at something,” he said. “I would encourage anyone who can donate to do so. It doesn’t hurt and it does so much good for others. You may save someone’s life.”
Mr Winstanley was presented with his award at a ceremony in Harrogate by Yorkshire blood recipient David Copes. Mr Copes needed 40 units of blood after receiving horrific injuries in a motorcycle accident near Leeds.
Darren Bowen, NHS Blood and Transplant’s lead donor relations manager for the Skipton area, said: “It’s wonderful that we can call on people Like Mr Winstanley who have dedicated themselves to giving blood over so many years, and Mr Copes’ story highlights the life-saving role they perform for no reward, other than the knowledge that they are helping others.
“However, every year many existing donors in our region have to stop giving blood due to factors like ill health and medication, so in order to maintain blood stocks we constantly need new donors.
“If you would like to become one of the life-savers of the future, make an appointment to attend a local session either by calling 0300 123 23 23 or visiting our website, blood.co.uk “We welcome new donors aged from 17 to 65 and there is no upper age limit for existing donors.”
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