Duo aim to inspire blood donors

12:25pm Thursday 4th September 2008

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TWO blood donors from North Yorkshire have marked a milestone by celebrating a lifetime of donation.

Anne Newstead, 66, from Leyburn, and 60-year-old John Liddle, from Bedale, celebrated 75 blood donations each at a recent National Blood Service (NBS) award ceremony at Thorpe Park Hotel, in Leeds.

The awards were presented by Mark Wishart.

Mr Wishart’s daughter, Robyn, was involved in a serious car crash in 2006, in which her boyfriend was killed. She was taken by air ambulance to the James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, and needed 30 units of blood. She has since recovered and her father is extremely grateful to donors.

Mrs Newstead, a retired police officer, has been giving blood for 36 years and started to give blood after being inspired while training.

Mr Liddle, a farm manager, has been giving blood for 42 years. He first started donating when he was at agricultural college and had continued ever since.

An NBS spokeswoman said: "Both Anne and John have reached an amazing milestone, with only four per cent of the population coming forward to give blood donors like these are very important to us.

"Their great commitment has helped to save hundred of lives."

The NHS needs 7,000 voluntary donations of blood every day.

Anyone aged between 17 and 60, weighing more than 7st 12lbs (50 kg) and in general good health could potentially start saving lives by becoming a blood donor.

For more information on becoming a blood donor, call 08457-711-711 or visit blood.co.uk