Robin's 100th blood donation (From Brentwood Weekly News)

Robin's 100th blood donation

4:35pm Wednesday 6th February 2013 in News

A LANDMARK has been achieved by an “inspirational” man after he reached a century of blood donations.

Robin Greatorex, 65, made his 100th donation to the Brentwood Blood Centre, in Crescent Drive, 36 years after he made his first.

It is thought his generosity has helped save the lives of 300 people since he first stepped into the centre in 1977.

He is now part of a unique group consisting of just one per cent of those who are eligible to give blood in the UK who have made 100 donations.

The wine merchant, from Colchester, said he gave blood for the first time after spotting the centre, which has been earmarked for closure, after being diverted through roadworks.

Mr Greatorex said: “I continued to donate because I’m keen to serve others.

“To encourage other people to start this life-saving habit, I would say overcome the fear. It doesn’t hurt and the staff are really friendly.”

Derek Carr, lead donor relations manager for Essex at NHS Blood and Transplant, said Mr Greatorex’s continuing donations is an amazing achievement.

He added: “It’s great to see how passionate and dedicated Mr Greatorex is about blood donation.

“It’s easy to forget how much of a difference giving blood can make to people’s lives.

“Mr Greatorex is an inspiration to us all and we hope others will follow in his footsteps to save the lives of many more people.”

Anyone aged between 17 and 65 years old, who weighs more than 7st 12lbs and is in general good health, can give blood.

For more information, visit www.blood.co.uk