Hospital worker gives blood for 100th time and targets 200 donations
A man who was first persuaded to give blood as a teenager by his mum in return for coffee and biscuits has given his 100th donation.
Steve Cook, 53, of Gleadless, Sheffield, has subsequently realised the real importance of giving blood through his work as a theatre orderly at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, where among his tasks he has had to collect blood for patients in the operating theatre.
One unit of blood donated can save or improve the lives of up to three people, so 100 donations has potentially helped save the lives of up to 300 patients in hospitals.
Steve said: “I got dragged along to my first donor session by my mum just after my 18th birthday. I was persuaded by way of a thank you of coffee and biscuits – not that we went without at home!
“From then on, I went every six months. I knew people needed blood, but it wasn’t until I started working as an orderly in the spinal injuries theatre that I truly realised the importance.
“A patient was on the operating table and losing blood. I was sent up to the blood bank to get four units. No sooner had I returned and I was sent to fetch more. In an hour I made four trips. Later in the day I thought about what had happened. It was then that I realised the importance of giving blood. The coffee and biscuits were appreciated, but insignificant.”
Steve gave his 100th donation at the Cathedral Court Blood Donor Centre in Sheffield city centre.
He said: “Having given my 75th donation five years ago, I was determined to get to 100. From arriving at the donor centre to leaving only takes around 30 to 45 minutes, time worth giving up because I know I am helping others.
“I have found out that my blood can go to children as well as adults. Although I don’t have children myself, it gives me a good feeling to know that my donation can benefit them in times of need.”
A spokesman for NHS Blood and Transplant said: “We are extremely grateful to Steve for his dedication and commitment, as the lifesaving effects a blood transfusion can make to a patient is remarkable. Our donors save and improve thousands of lives.”
Steve said he would encourage others to give blood, and that the process is nothing to be worried about.
“Some people don’t give blood because they think it hurts or are afraid of needles. Allay your fears – there is a small scratch for the finger test and then another when the tube is put in your arm.
“My next target is to get to 200 donations. Men are now able to donate every 12 weeks (it is 16 weeks for women), so that will take me about 23 years. I hope I’m still in good enough health to continue donating when I’m in my 70s.”
In general, as long as you are fit and healthy, weigh over 7 stone 12 lbs (50kg) and are aged between 17 and 66 (up to 70 if you have given blood before) you should be able to give blood. If you are over 70, you need to have given blood in the last two years to continue donating.
To register or book an appointment go online at www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23. Search 'NHSGiveBlood' in the app store to find and book sessions.
ENDS
Photo: Steve Cook giving his 100th blood donation
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