After donating blood for over 40 years, Modderfontein resident Gordon Drummond’s donation journey has ended.
Starting in his 40s, the 86-year-old Drummond first donated blood in Hillbrow after moving to Kensington and has, over the years, donated 159 pints.
According to the South African National Blood Services’ (SANBS) calculations, those pints helped save 477 lives.
After donating his 159th pint in October, Drummond returned to the SANBS on January 2, which advised him that he no longer needed to donate because of stress and his age.
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Writing to his family, Drummond expressed sadness and disappointment in not being able to donate.
“After more than 40 years of giving, it’s a tough pill to swallow, but I feel blessed to have been able to contribute for so long,” said Drummond.
Although he has stopped donating blood, Drummond challenged his grandchildren to donate.
After expressing himself to his family, the SANBS shared Drummond’s letter on social media, where it soon gained traction.
“I must be honest. I am humbled by what has happened. All I did was share a letter with my family, and then it ended on Facebook.
“The response and number of comments the post received were unbelievable. I was moved to tears seeing the support,” said Drummond.
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He said his donor journey started soon after he moved to Kensington when he heard an appeal for donations by the SANBS on the radio and soon thereafter decided to become a donor.
Drummond said there were times he could not donate because of several surgeries and the Covid-19 lockdown.
Drummond explained that having the O+ blood type means his blood can go to almost anybody.
When stocks were low, he often got calls from the SANBS to donate to help others.
“I am humbled that I have been able to help as many people as I did,” said Drummond.
To those wanting to donate, Drummond said, “Think of your fellow man and the difference you can make. It costs you nothing to save a life.”
