SHEPPARTON’S Steve Wilson completed his 100th blood donation on Thursday, June 16, coinciding with National Blood Donor Week.
Donating whole blood, it has taken Mr Wilson 25 years to reach the 100-milestone mark, donating blood quarterly. He became a donor to be a positive role model to his children.
“I began donating blood to influence my kids and to show them it’s a good thing to do for the community,” he said. “Today, all three of my kids are donors.”
There are 2,709 blood donors in Shepparton and one in three local residents will require blood products at some point in their life.
National Blood Donor Week, which runs from June 13 to 19, is an opportunity to recognise donors and inspire others to roll up their sleeve.
Mr Wilson, who is in his sixties, is part of the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority’s ‘Lifeblood Team.’
He said, “I think donating blood is a good thing to do. It’s always a positive experience and it’s an opportunity to have a free health check every three months too. I get my blood pressure checked and a good feeling knowing that I am helping someone.”
Lifeblood spokesperson Shae Burns said 140,000 more donors were needed across Australia to help save the lives of 1.5M patients nationwide each year.
“From cancer patients to road-trauma victims, people with blood disorders, surgical patients and new mums — blood is needed somewhere in Australia every 18 seconds,” Ms Burns said.
“It takes just an hour of your time to donate blood and every donation can help save up to three lives.”
“At worse donating blood is a minor needle prick,” said Mr Wilson. “For those who haven’t donated, give it a go. It’s a good way to learn about yourself and to help the community.”
To book a donation visit www.lifeblood.com.au, download the Donate Blood app or phone 131 495.
