Award for blood donor

The ceremony honoured donors from Kent, London, Surrey and Sussex, who had donated blood on at least 75 occasions.

Fourteen of the lifesavers were commended for reaching the milestone of 100 blood donations or more.

In total, the honoured donors have given over 5,700 pints of blood.

Jeremy, of Glenleigh Park Road, received a crystal decanter in recognition of his 100 blood donations.

Guest speaker Lynda Hamlyn, Chief Executive of NHSBT, thanked the assembled donors. She said: “I cannot emphasise enough our appreciation of the commitment these donors have made over many years. Having reached the milestone of 75 whole blood donations or even 100 is a marvellous achievement.

“This is particularly remarkable when only four per cent of the eligible population actually give blood and only three per cent of our 1.4 million donors actually achieve 75 donations. They are very special to us, which is why such an event gives us the opportunity to say a real heart felt thanks.”

First time donors should be aged between 17-65, weighing at least 50 kg (7 stone 12lbs) and in general good health. If you’ve donated before, you can start again up to your 70th birthday and there is no upper age limit for donors who have donated in the last two years. To book an appointment call the Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk