Dedicated blood donors from Lichfield have seen their life-saving efforts recognised.
Charles Hailwood, Alan Lockley and Robert Asson were all rewarded at an awards ceremony held by NHS Blood and Transport (NHSBT).
Robert received a crystal plate after reaching 75 donations, while Charles and Alan received a crystal decanter for clocking up 100 donations – a figure only reached by one per cent of all blood donors.
It is estimated that the trio could have helped save up to 825 lives with their donations.
Alrewas resident Charles, aged 74, has been donating since 1959. The retired teacher started giving blood as a National Service recruit when it was one of the basic training activities.
He said: “The fact that as a healthy person I ought to be considerate of those who needed something that I was able to provide, has kept me giving.
“As a teacher I wished to set an example to my students and encourage them to become blood donors as well. Both my wife and sister needed blood transfusions at childbirth.”
Robert, aged 65, of Lichfield, has been giving for 47 years.
The retired postman said: “Thinking about how to help people prompted me to start giving. Civic duty and commitment to helping people has kept me giving.”
The donors were joined by others from across Staffordshire and the West Midlands for the ceremony.
Suzanne Walsh, lead donor relations manager at NHSBT, said: “We are grateful to all our donors but the loyalty of some of them is just overwhelming.
“It is an honour to recognise our long-standing donors in this way. Their commitment means hospital patients are able to receive the life-saving blood they need.”
NHSBT is now urging people to show some festive spirit by giving blood this December, with an appeal for O Rh negative (O-) and B Rh negative (B-) blood donors.
Blood stocks traditionally dip as the festive season approaches, and with the probable onset of bad weather, NHSBT is working to lift stocks throughout December.
Suzanne added: “We want to encourage more people to give blood before Christmas, especially O Rh negative and B Rh negative donors.
“This will give blood stocks a boost in the run up to Christmas and allow them to be maintained at a constant level as January approaches.”
Anyone aged over 17, weighing more than 50 kg (7 stone 12 lbs) and in general good health can be a blood donor. For details of sessions or to book an appointment call 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk.