“No, that’s not my age!” exclaims Anne Williams of Ringwood, “that refers to the number of blood donations I have given since my mother persuaded me to become a donor. I am hoping to stay fit enough to remain a donor for a little longer, though my son David is catching me up fast at 97 donations.”
The presentation took place on a special occasion, when seven-year-old Lydia McConnell from Southampton was in attendance to give special thanks to all blood donors. Lydia had been desperately ill since July last year with a brain tumour and had relied upon 89 blood transfusions since then, and is now in remission.
“Although I have no idea whether any of my blood was used for Lydia,” continued Anne, “I feel proud of the fact that many other people have benefited, and who knows, I might want some back myself one day!” Bob Davies, Marketing Manager of the NHS Blood Services said, “The Blood Bank holds between four-and-a-half to eight days of blood stock in the bank. As only 4% of the population give blood, then 96% of us all rely on others to help us out in an emergency.”
Anne is an active member of Trinity Church in Ringwood and would be happy to encourage any other local folk to start giving blood. “There’s nothing to it really,” says Anne, “I will keep going for as long as they want me, especially as it all takes place at Trinity just down the road.”
