LAST summer two local women each completed their 100th whole blood donations.
Friends Julia Isaacs and Margaret Drinkwater, both from Wokingham, first met in Bracknell whilst on their 99th donation in February 2024, and have remained in contact ever since.
At the end of April, the couple were invited to a Donor Recognition Ceremony which took place in a hotel in Marlow.
Around 70 whole blood donors there were recognised by name and presented with a badge, a medal, and a framed certificate of thanks from NHS Blood and Transplant.
Afterwards a video was shown to the assembled guests, explaining what happens to donated blood on it on its journey to be used for medical needs.
Julia said: “It was a revelation to me to discover that only 4% of the population donates blood on a regular basis.
“That’s such a small percentage – it amazes me that so few people donate.
“The blood donation service deserves all the help it can get to encourage more people to donate.”
Of two young women guest speakers at the event, one had received a heart transplant as a child, and now works for NHS Organ Donation.
The other was grateful for blood her husband had received when he lost his legs on military service.
Margaret said: “It brings it home to you just how much each donation means to a recipient, and the lives it saves.
“Each donation only takes an hour and is almost painless.
“I felt pleased to have been able to reach this significant milestone.
“It was an interesting and worthwhile event on many levels.”
For information and details of where to donate blood visit: blood.co.uk
