Somerset Park father inspires son to donate blood
Ranesh Sivnarain, recently donated his 80th pint to the SANBS at the Kensington Square blood donor clinic and was joined by his 16-year-old son, Mithil, who donated for the first time.
A SOMERSET Park father, who has been a regular supporter and donor to the South African National Blood Service has inspired his son to join the cause.
Ranesh Sivnarain, recently donated his 80th pint to the SANBS at the Kensington Square blood donor clinic and was joined by his 16-year-old son, Mithil, who donated for the first time.
Sivnarain said he has been regularly donating for the last 10 years.
“I try and donate six pints of blood a year. I was due to donate my 80th pint of blood when my son suggested that he wanted to go with me after he turned 16. It was actually on his birthday we decided to go the clinic to donate.
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“My wife and I support the SANBS whenever we can and I feel those values are inculcated in my children. It’s really about giving back to the community. I still don’t think people know how many lives you can save by donating blood,” he said.
Sivnarain said hearing testimonies of people whose lives were saved by blood donations is what drives him.
“It’s inspirational and when you hear these stories you cannot help but be moved to act and donate. It’s the least I can do and it really doesn’t take long,” he said.
Mithil said he was inspired by his father’s support for the SANBS.
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“It’s always been a dream of mine to follow in my father’s footsteps and donate blood. When I was younger I’d accompany my dad to the clinic and he always told me about the difference a donation can make to those in need. Since my first donation I’ve been back to the blood donor clinic again and will continue supporting them whenever I can,” he said.
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