Geelong’s Gary Broughton is putting his rare blood to good use, with 500 blood and plasma donations under his belt.
Mr Broughton has been donating his universal O-type blood for more than 60 years and celebrated his latest milestone at Lifeblood Geelong’s donor centre on August 1.
“I found hitting my 500th donation really emotional… and it was fairly amazing to reach that milestone,” he said.
“When I first started out donating, I found that my blood type was O-negative, and it’s a fairly rare blood type that can be given to absolutely anyone.
“It can be used when anyone has an accident or emergency, and I felt a bit of a responsibility, through having a blood type that can be used on everyone, to help others where I could.
“It also feels really good to have inspired the people in my life to start donating… and the whole idea is to continue trying to encourage others to do the same.”
Mr Broughton first rolled up his sleeves in 1964 at 18 years old and has since inspired his three children to become donors, including his daughter’s dog, who donates blood to their veterinary practice.
Lifeblood spokesperson Ashbyi Randall said she was grateful for Mr Broughton’s donation efforts and that 100,000 new donors were needed nationwide.
“Gary has helped to save lives and improve the quality of life for so many through their ongoing generosity,” she said.
“The main users of blood and blood products include people undergoing cancer treatment, women giving birth, trauma victims and people with blood disorders and immune conditions.”
Visit lifeblood.com.au or call 13 14 95 to book a blood or plasma donation.
