Donors going strong

With June 14 being World Blood Donor Day, 70-year-old Stanley Lewis donated his 200th pint of blood and 67-year-old Ian Thorburn donated his 250th pint of blood at the Bruma Blood Donor Centre.

Donors are being recognised globally for the donations they continue giving. The day was commemorated under the theme, “Blood connects us all”.

Every donor has a story to tell on how they got started and for Mr Thorburn it was by invitation from a friend.

“In 1969 a colleague invited me to join and donate at Primrose Primary School,” said Mr Thorburn.

He said since accepting the invitation he has never looked back.

When his employer had a mobile unit visit his place of work, he donated at the mobile clinic until he retired.

Retirement did not slow him down. He looked for a new blood donor branch and found the Bruma branch where he now regularly donates blood.

He said living a healthy life is important. “I have joined Run/Walk for Life and lead a healthy lifestyle. I hope to reach the 300th unit mark,” said Mr Thorburn.

Edenglen resident, Mr Lewis said things have changed over the years on how you donate.

“I remember a time when bottles were used for the donations and also the procedure was different,” said Mr Lewis.

Mr Lewis’ first donation was in the ’70s when a friend suggested that he donate because he had severe nose bleeds.

“I remember my first pint was donated at SANBS head office in Klein Street, Braamfontein opposite the old Johannesburg General Hospital,” said Mr Lewis.

Mr Lewis said he stopped donating for a while but when he found out that SANBS had opened a satellite branch in Bruma he resumed his regular donations.

He said with age, health has been the only factor that will prevent him from donating.

“A few years ago, I stopped donating due to a knee replacements and a shoulder operation. But I’ve been blessed to be able to donate regularly again since then,” said Mr Lewis.

SANBS is encouraging people to become donors.

As it is winter season, blood stocks fall below the desired level required to meet daily demand.

SANBS must collect 3 000 units of blood every day.

Each unit of blood could save three lives.

In winter donor numbers usually drop because schools close over the holiday period and that is where many blood drives take place. Colds and flu are other reasons for donors being unable to donate blood.

High school learners are a crucial group of donors.

Nationally, teenagers aged 16 to 19 constitute 21 percent of SANBS’ total active donor base, which is currently over 430 000.

SANBS urges all donors to honour their donation schedule and encourage their friends, family and colleagues to join them and become regular donors if they meet the basic requirements.

“Our doors are open to members of the public who either want to start donating or simply have questions about the donation process which might seem complicated and daunting for those who have never before considered giving blood,” said SANBS communications manager Vanessa Raju.

For more information on how to become a blood donor and find your nearest donor centre visit www.sanbs.org.za.