Three dedicated blood donors from Nantwich have been recognised for rolling up their sleeves to help save dozens of lives.
John Bellamy, John McIlwraith and Daniel Robinson were honoured at a ceremony by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT).
They were presented with a crystal plate after reaching the wonderful milestone of 75 donations.
Each donation can potentially save the lives of up to three people in local hospitals.
Mr Bellamy, from Stapeley, has been giving blood for around 50 years.
The 69-year-old, now retired, said: “My wife had several pints during the birth of my oldest daughter, had she not neither would be alive today.
“It is painless, doesn’t take too long and can do an enormous amount of good.”
Mr McIlwraith, 65, has been donating blood since he was a university student.
The chemical industry consultant, from Ravensmoor, said: “As a poor student, giving blood meant access to a good supply of tea and biscuits and was a good chat up line.
“Initially it was a routine, subsequently I came to appreciate I could give something back to help people.”
The awards were given out at the Queen Hotel in Chester by grateful recipient, Richard Huelin.
The 67-year-old, from Bangor-on-Dee, suffered serious leg injuries in a car crash near Bickley, Cheshire, in 2009.
The grandfather was hospitalised for a month, receiving two blood transfusions and needing surgery.
Mr Huelin said: “Every day is a day a blood donor has given back to me. I would like to thank all those people who give their blood unreservedly every day.
“I would encourage anyone who can do so to give blood, it saved my life.”
The Nantwich donors were joined by around 50 others from across Cheshire and North Wales.
Barbara Blanche, lead donor relations manager at NHSBT, said: “The dedication of these donors is amazing, we hope it inspires existing donors to keep giving.
“We also need new donors, especially young people, and urge them to give it a try – blood saves and improves lives every day.
“While we appreciate people are often very busy shopping for presents and planning get-togethers at this time of year, donated blood is needed just as much as ever in December.
“As a result, we are appealing for people in Nantwich to show warm hearts by taking just a little time out to give blood this Christmas.”
Donor sessions will take place at Nantwich Civic Hall on Thursday January 3, 2pm-4pm and 5.30pm-7.30pm, and at Crewe Alex’s Alexandra Stadium on Wednesday January 16, 2pm-4pm and 5.30pm-7.30pm.
First time donors should be aged between 17-65, weighing at least 50 kg (7 stone 12lbs) and in general good health.
Past donors can start again up to the 70th birthday. 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
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