Proud Pinetown granny makes 117th blood donation

JUST one pint of blood can save three lives, said a proud 72-year-old Martie Van der Walt who made her 117th blood donation at Pinecrest SANBS this month. 

The Pinehaven resident, whose blood type is O negative, started donating blood while working at a laboratory in Robinson Hospital.

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“There was an elderly couple who were admitted after being brutally attacked and they were struggling to get blood. I decided to donate and that donation saved them. From then I have been a regular donor,” she said.

O negative is the universal blood type which can be given to any person.

However, the O negative blood type can only receive O negative blood.

She said donating platelets and plasma is just as important and people should consider donating.

“My late husband once had septicemia in his lungs and was in a comma for three weeks. After receiving blood platelets, he recovered.

When asked about how she feels when she makes a donation, the bubbly Van der Walt said she feels a great sense of fulfilment to know she is saving lives.

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“People need to lead a healthy lifestyle in order to keep their blood healthy and be able to donate. I truly believe that educating people about the importance of donating in still vital among communities,” she said.

Now that she has retired, the avid donor said she has a small garden which she loves working in.

“I used to design, make dresses and I did catering,” she said, adding that she is very well-known for her oxtail and braai.

When asked about her favourite food, she smiled and said, “Rump steak and pepper sauce. I love my steak medium rare and soft.”

For information on how and where to donate contact the South African National Blood Service on 0800 11 9031. 

Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting