Westville resident makes 400th donation
Peter Boulle appealed to people to become regular donors and give a gift of life.
DONATING blood, plasma and platelets has become a lifestyle for a Westville resident who made his 400th donation on Wednesday, 28 April.
A compassionate Peter Boulle, who has been a donor for the past four decades, said every bit helps.
ALSO READ: Blood stocks remain critically low, public urged to donate
As a token of gratitude and appreciation for Boulle’s selflessness, he was showered with gifts by the staff at the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) in Westwood Wood Mall as he relaxed on the chair while donating plasma which he said he tries to do every two weeks.
Between him and his wife, Angela, they have made more than 600 donations.
He appealed to the public to support SANBS by becoming regular donors.
“People must not overthink it, it is just a painless procedure and the right thing to do. If more people can come on board, especially now with blood stock being so low, we can make a huge difference and save many lives,” he said.
Sr Margie Hamilton said they are grateful to Boulle and his wife for their giving nature.
“They have saved so many lives,” said Hamilton.
SANBS donor practitioner, Neelashan Govender said blood is what keeps us alive.
ALSO READ: Help save lives, donate plasma
“By becoming a blood donor, you are giving the gift of life. Just one unit of whole blood is processed into packed red cells, plasma and platelets which are infused into patients requiring these specific products,” explained Govender.
Platelets are small colourless cell fragments circulating in the blood. When a blood vessel is injured, platelets collect at the site and form a plug to stop bleeding.
Govender informed the public that plasma makes up 55 per cent of your total blood volume which contains antibodies, clotting factors and proteins.
“Platelets and plasma donation can be done every two weeks and whole blood donation every 56 days. The body recovers those cells very quickly,” he said.
SANBS offices located in Westwood Mall are operational from 8am to 4pm; Monday to Friday. They are open from 9am to 3pm on weekends and public holidays.
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