Kevin, who has worked at PFF for eight years, has donated blood on an incredible 107 occasions over the 36 years, helping to save and improve hundreds of lives. He also donates platelets, which are used to help cancer patients.
NHS Blood & Transplant, the national blood service for England, needs around 135,000 new donors every year to ensure they have the right mix of blood groups to meet patient needs. Donated blood has a life of 35 days, and platelets, which help the blood clot, just seven.
It is not just about how much blood you donate, it’s also about having the right type of blood that can be matched to individual patients. Type O positive blood is given to patients more than any other blood type, which is why it is considered the most needed blood type.
Kevin is ‘A negative’ and only one in 13 donors are in this group. ‘A negative’ platelets are particularly important because they can be given to people from all blood groups.
Our picture shows Kevin during his latest appointment at Bradford Blood Centre. He was attached to a blood separating machine and donating Convalescent Plasma which will be used to help COVID-19 patients.
He said: “It’s a good feeling to know that your blood is going to help save or improve the lives of many other people.”
If you are interested in finding out more about giving blood or signing up as a donor in your local area, visit the NHS Blood & Transplant website or download the “Give Blood” app.
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