Donor Douglas achieves milestone donation.
‘I feel really humbled having been able to have donated so often. Once you start, it just becomes a way of life’.
Douglas Horne from Westhill in Aberdeen recently received his 500th donation award and recalls why started giving blood in 1968.
I’ve had such good fun over the years, and it’s been great to know there have been occasions when I’ve been needed for special cases. It’s been absolutely marvellous. Douglas Horne
'People always ask me what made me become a blood donor. They wonder if I had a sick relative or did I know someone who needed blood? The truth is, giving blood was just something I always wanted to do. I started as soon as I turned 18 and I made around 29 whole blood donations before then starting to donate platelets and plasma.'
'I’ve had such good fun over the years, and it’s been great to know there have been occasions when I’ve been needed for special cases. It’s been absolutely marvellous.'
Sadly, Douglas had to end his donating career after undergoing a heart bypass in 2019 and more recently a hip replacement. He'll be sorely missed by the Aberdeen staff who have enjoyed his wit and banter over the years.
On behalf of all at the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service and the countless patients that you've helped over the years, thank you Douglas - you're a lifesaver.
- You can register to become a blood donor on your 17th birthday. You can register online or call 0345 90 90 999 for more information.
- Every time you give blood, you could save or improve the lives of up to three people. If you've been inspired to become a blood donor, find out where you can give blood by searching your town.