World record holder donates 400th unit of blood

He attributes his diligence to an event which occurred when he was a young man.

“After witnessing a terrible accident as an 18-year-old trainee first aider working for St John’s Ambulance, I decided I had to do something to make a difference,” he said.

He said the incident highlighted the need for blood at accident scenes and made him commit to being a blood donor.

“Whether its one or two units of blood, every bit counts. You would be amazed at what just one unit can achieve,” said Mr Creswick.

When asked how he kept himself so healthy over the years, he smiled and said, “A healthy mind, a glass of whiskey and no smoking.”

Mr Sini Subrayen, the public relations practitioner for the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) described Mr Creswick as a hero.

“He is an inspiration to each and every one of us to donate blood and make a valuable difference to patients who rely on blood transfusions. He is an icon and a role model. He should be revered for his dedication to providing much-needed blood in this country,” said Mr Subrayen.

He added that Mr Creswick makes him proud to be a part of the SANBS family.

Mr Creswick had caused much excitement within the organisation. He is a Guinness World Record holder for donating the most blood in the world.

“The process has become stricter. Many years ago, one could donate blood before the scheduled 56 days, but now the computer just rejects your card when you try to donate even one day before your time,” said Mr Creswick.

Mr Creswick is on the residents’ committee at the Elphin Lodge Retirement Village.

“He’s all there, very fit and takes no medication,” said Mrs Claudine Creswick, Mr Creswick’s wife. He has four children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

“I challenge everyone to try and emulate me and hopefully we can keep the world record in South Africa,” said Mr Creswick.