A Geelong man is helping save lives with blood and plasma donations and will reach a major milestone on Friday.
Gary Broughton will make his 500th donation at Lifeblood’s Geelong donor centre on August 1, helping save up to 1500 lives.
Mr Broughton said he had been donating for more than 60 years and that his O-type blood was universal and could be given to anyone.
“It’s only an hour or so of your time and the effects of your donation can save others, which is amazing,” he said.
“My O-blood was needed to save the life of an ill newborn baby. In a surreal turn of events, the baby was the granddaughter of my football coach.
“The importance of donating again hit close to home in recent years, as my grandson was diagnosed with a rare cancer. He required surgery plus lots of blood and plasma to help with his treatments.”
Mr Broughton started donating at 18 in 1964 and was inspired by his mother, who was a donor. He has since inspired his three children to become donors, and his daughter’s dog also donates blood to help other dogs.
Lifeblood spokesperson Ashbyi Randall said one in three people will need blood or blood products in their lifetime, but only one in 30 people currently donate.
“Gary has helped to save lives and improve the quality of life for so many through his ongoing generosity,” she said.
“This year, we need 100,000 new donors around the country to keep up with the increasing hospital demand for blood and plasma.
“We need 150 more donors in the next weeks to fill appointments at Lifeblood’s Geelong Donor Centre. If you’ve never donated before, this is a great time to give it a go.”
Visit lifeblood.com.au or call 13 14 95 to book a blood or plasma donation.
