Blood donors recognised for saving up to 975 lives

Four blood donors have been recognised for their selfless good deeds, after reaching significant milestones.

Between them Molly Buckingham, of Beccles, Myrtle Haken, of Halesworth, Sue Hardy, from Frostenden, and Jonathan Vander-Molen, from Halesworth, have potentially saved up to 975 lives by giving blood regularly.

This week the four were among 70 blood donors from across Suffolk and Essex who were honoured at a ceremony at Ipswich Town Football Club by NHS Blood and Transplant.

Mrs Haken received a crystal award for 100 donations, while Mrs Buckingham, Ms Hardy and Mr Vander-Molen got an award for 75.

Ms Hardy, whose mother and grandmother were both treated for leukaemia, said: 'Towards the end of her life, my grandmother received blood transfusions. Seeing the benefits to her, my mother registered as a blood donor and I registered as soon as I was old enough. It's a small thing to do which can have untold benefits.'

Mr Vander-Molen, who was motivated to register as a donor when a friend's father had leukaemia, said: 'I have continued giving blood so many times as I wanted to help others and I also had a brother who had leukaemia. It's a simple thing to do that makes a difference to others.'

Last month it was revealed that the EDP's New Blood campaign managed to recruit 939 people in Norfolk and north Suffolk to be blood donors.

For more information call 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk