Sylvia’s 101st blood donation

A BLOOD donor from Great Yarmouth has been honoured for making more than 100 donations to help save lives. The NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) service presented Sylvia Payne with an award at Yarmouth Racecourse for reaching the remarkable milestone.

Sylvia made her 101st donation and was presented with her 100th award on September 19.

She said: “I first found out about donating blood on the notice board at work. I really wanted to help other people as I needed a blood transfusion myself 39 years ago following the birth of my son. It is great to have reached 100 donations and to know that I have helped so many people.”

As well as being a blood donor herself, Sylvia has also encouraged her niece and husband to donate, who have contributed another 65 units between them. Sylvia added: “I’d encourage everyone who can to donate blood and remember that they may need a blood transfusion themselves one day.”

Derek Carr, lead donor relations manager at NHSBT, said: “This is a great achievement and Sylvia is an inspiring example to others. It is so important people continue donating blood once they have started and long-term donors like Sylvia are the backbone of the service.”

Anyone aged between 17 and 65, weighing more than 50 kg (seven stone 12lbs) and in general good health could potentially start saving lives by becoming a blood donor.

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