Donor honoured for his gift of life
THIS man's a life-saver – 100 times over!
Robert Petchell, 66, has now given 100 pints of blood – having made his first donation at the tender age of 19.
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life saver: Barton man Robert Petchell with his awards for donating over 100 units of blood over the past 47 years. Picture: David Haber. Buy this photo at www.thisisphotosales .co.uk /scunthorpe or by contacting 08444 060910.
In recognition of his achievement, he has been presented with a cut glass decanter and a special donor card and now he is keen to use his story to encourage others to follow in his footsteps.
The NHS is reliant on the 2.1 million units of blood that are donated each year to carry out everything from routine operations to emergency surgery and blood transfusions.
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This equates to just four per cent of the UK donating two to three times a year.
However, blood must be used within 35 days of donation, so more volunteers are always needed.
Robert, of Barton, said he had only missed one or two sessions since he started donating.
He said: "I started when I was 19. I used to go with my next door neighbour.
"I've been to all the sessions in Barton – I have probably only missed one or two.
"I don't have a rare or common blood type, it's just in between, but it is needed all the same.
"Donating is just my way of helping others. As long as it is going out my arm and not in, I haven't got a problem with it."
Robert said he would urge anyone to give it a try, adding it was far easier than many would think.
He said: "More people need to donate. You can't stockpile your own blood in a drum in case you need it, so we need to give it to others.
"More young people need to start, the older people will not be able to do it forever.
"You don't have to travel far, the facilities are everywhere.
"It's just a needle in your arm. It takes 20 minutes and you get free drink and a biscuit."
Find out more
For more information on giving blood, or to find your nearest donation centre, visit www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 1232323.
Comments
by petch1980
Sunday, September 02 2012, 5:32PM
“well done done dad !!!!”
by ImmArthur
Sunday, September 02 2012, 4:57PM
“Not enough fuss is made of people who make this simple, but incalculably valuable, gift. Top marks to you, Mr. Petchell, you're a gent.
Arthur, Immingham”
by WoolfySmifff
Saturday, September 01 2012, 2:05PM
“Well done! I think we need to raise the profile of blood donation. People are not aware of simple facts and feel that blood donation isn't something that is relevant to them. People need educating about things like the very short shelf life of blood, the fact that anyone having an operation has to have blood allocated to them even if they don't eventually use it, the cost of a unit of blood (which rose hugely following the implementation of leucodepletion to avoid transference of nasty illnesses) and the many many uses a unit of blood can be put to.
It's quick, easy and really, really valuable. If you needed some you'd want it to be there so think about following this guy's footsteps and giving a little of your own if you can. It's a good feeling that goes with it too.”