Blood donors from Armidale, Inverell and Glen Innes were among the 570,000 blood donors across Australia honoured last week for their lifesaving efforts with a special presentation at the Powerhouse in Armidale.
Wayne Townsend from Armidale was amongst the local donors recognised and thanked by the Armidale Blood Bank.
“I was involved with the ambulance service years ago and saw the need for people to donate,” said Wayne.
“Giving blood is nowhere near as bad as everyone thinks, giving blood can sometimes take as little as 15 minutes, giving plasma for me is about an hour.”
Local Armidale man Trevor Coit who suffers from an immune system disease and receives Intragram-P which comes out of Plasma was at the ceremony in Armidale to thank donors.
“Without the generosity of donors I would be bed-bound and in a wheel chair,” said Trevor.
“My quality of life has vastly improved and now I can enjoy spending time with my grandchildren.”
Last year, Australia’s 570,000 blood donors gave more than 1.35 million donations, saving the lives of thousands of patients who rely on donated blood.
One in three of us will need blood or a blood product in our lifetime, yet only one in 30 of us actually gives blood.
To roll up your sleeves and donate, call 13 14 95 or visit www.donateblood.com.au
