Bolton blood donor's landmark

1:37pm Sunday 6th July 2008

A FORMER draughtsman has been rewarded for his outstanding work as a blood donor.

Gordon Hale from Bolton has been hailed as a "super donor" by the National Blood Service.

He celebrated reaching the 75-pint landmark at an awards ceremony in Manchester.

Mr Hale, aged 67, has been donating blood for the last 45 years.

He said: "Giving blood is a privilege really. I keep giving blood because I am lucky enough to be able to."

To mark the occasion Mr Hale received a commemorative plate from Graham Brushett who has had a heart and kidney transplant.

Shaun Almond of the National Blood Service said: "When you consider that you can only donate blood three times a year, reaching 75 donations is a real milestone.

"Every month hospitals across Bolton need over 800 units of blood. Over the years Mr Hale's dedication will have saved countless lives."

For details about blood donor sessions in Bolton call 0845 7711711 or visit www.blood.co.uk.