TWO Wokingham residents have reached a major achievement by gaining 100 credits for whole blood donations.
Margaret Drinkwater and Julia Isaacs have both donated their 100th pint to the National Blood Service (Blood and Transplant) in the last couple of months.
The pair became friends recently while giving blood in Bracknell.
“We didn’t know each other,” said Margaret, “But Julia overheard me mentioning to someone at the donor centre that it was my 99th donation.”
By chance Julia was also giving her 99th pint of blood, and popped over to say hello.
“My father used to donate and I was keen to do the same,” said Margaret.
“Even as a teenager, I was impatient to become a donor.”
Margaret started donating at 18, when the then National Blood Transfusion Service attended her place of work, and has been a regular donor ever since.
In the early days, donations were just six monthly, and women were required to take two years off after every childbirth.
Even so, Margaret had achieved 50 donations before the age of 50, and then 75 pints by the time she reached 60.
She has always been grateful for excellent health, and a few years ago worked out that she could reach a grand total of 100 before she was 70, which she recently completed.
Margaret and Julia are both very keen to promote local blood donation.
Margaret said: “It’s no more painful than a sharp prick, it’s relaxing and – most importantly – it saves lives.
“We all expect blood to be there for us when we need it, so it really makes sense that everyone who is fit and healthy should contribute.
“There’s absolutely nothing to be afraid of – you have a lie down – and you’re doing something that can help people.”
Julia added: “It’s so easy, takes less than an hour, and is so worthwhile.
“The blood bank is always looking for more donors and sometimes has to send out urgent requests.
“They need more people to donate regularly.
“Please try to get involved, you will be saving lives.”
For more information about becoming a blood donor visit: www.blood.co.uk
