BLOOD donor Mark Kehoe stepped up his life-saving gift after losing close relatives to cancer.

As a result the Leigh-based audit manager, with the rare blood group AB negative, has received a crystal decanter from the Blood Transfusion Service to celebrate his 100 donations.

Now he is aiming for the next big target of 500 - and hoping to motivate others to follow in his footsteps.

Mark, 36, of Windsmoor Drive, Hindley, first started giving blood at the age of 18 because he wanted to help others.

Then after he lost his father-in-law to cancer and stepdad to leukaemia he was even more determined to help save others in the same situation.

Eighteen months ago, as one of only three per cent in the country with the rare blood group, he decided to increase his donations and now attends the Aphers's Centre in Manchester every two weeks to donate plasma and platelets for use in burns and leukaemia treatment.

Mark, who works for Pestokill Pest Control, Leigh, said: "I started off giving blood normally at regular periods, then I decided to help even further and started to donate plasma.

"I have received a silver pin for 25 units and gold for 50 but I was delighted to reach the 100 target this month .

"It is a good feeling to know what you are doing helps to save lives. I have also answered two emergency calls to donate.

"My company allows me time to go to sessions in Manchester every other Friday for which I am grateful.

"I'd like to call on everyone to think about becoming a donor. I've been trying to recruit workmates, but it can be hard work as many have a fear of needles.

"All I can say is look at what good it can do. It can be very rewarding knowing that you are helping to give others a chance of life."

Pestokill business development manager, Sarah Wood, said: "This is a great achievement and all at Pestokill are very proud of Mark. This is an inspirational story and we hope it will help to motivate others and show the importance of giving blood."