COLLECTIVELY they have donated blood for 131 years - saving hundreds of lives.

Now Malcolm Dutton, Denise Denton and Brian Brown, all from York, have been recognised for their remarkable efforts, which the NHS say will have saved hundreds of people, and improved the lives of countless others who have required blood transfusions.

The three have been recognised by NHS Blood and Transplant for their loyalty and commitment at a ceremony at Hazlewood Castle.

 

York Press:

Among them, Brian Brown, 74, has been donating blood for 50 years and platelets for seven years.

Brian who first went along to donate with a group of work colleagues said: “Giving blood and platelets is such a rewarding thing to do. If you are nervous you should go with friends and it won’t seem so daunting. It is really simple and helps save lives.”

Malcolm, 68, from Acomb, has been a blood donor for a remarkable 50 years and first started donating with his father.

Meanwhile, Denise Denton 68 from Long Marston has been donating blood for 31 years and was encouraged to start giving blood by her father-in –law. Denise said: “It’s a very simple, quick and immensely satisfying thing to do and can help people when they most need it.”

Alyson Christy a training officer, from York, was the guest speaker at the ceremony to recognise the efforts of 29 blood donors from the region.

Alyson received five units of blood following a post-partum haemorrhage after giving birth to her daughter, and read out a moving letter from her daughter, who is now a blood donor herself, thanking blood donors for saving her mum’s life.

Alyson said: “I want to thank everyone who gives blood – without it I may not have survived to see my daughters grow up or enjoy family life. I would encourage everyone who can give blood to give it a try. Unfortunately I can no longer donate, but both my daughters are now blood donors. Every pint of blood counts in life saving surgery.”

Malcolm and Denise received an award and certificate for reaching their 100th blood donation milestones, and Brian received his award for 250 blood and platelet donations.

To donate blood visit www.blood.co.uk