Inverness donor achieves milestone donation
‘It’s really no big deal to give blood. You just go along to your local donor session, sit back, relax and get on with it. It’s not painful at all and I must say that every visit I’ve ever had has been thoroughly enjoyable.’
David Mackenzie, who gave his 300th donation at Inverness blood donor centre on Monday, continues: 'I started giving blood when I was about 18 years old. There was a donor session in my area and I just thought to myself, why not? I initially became a blood donor and then went on to give platelets. I've since gone on to register with Anthony Nolan to become a bone marrow donor as well.'
Giving blood is just something that I've always known I should do. I really don’t give it much thought any more, I just do it. David
A retired lecturer turned crofter from the Black Isle, David explains: 'Giving blood is just something that I've always known I should do. I really don’t give it much thought any more, I just do it. Knowing that what you're doing is making such a massive difference to someone out there is fantastic. Regardless of who they are and whether they are and elderly person, a baby, a man or a woman, knowing that you could be helping them is a great feeling.
'I'd urge to anyone who hasn't given blood before to just find out more about it. It's such an easy thing to be part of and its costs absolutely nothing to do a bit of research at least. Once you've gone online or you’ve called in to find out more, why not ask a friend, family member or colleague to go along with you? You could both make even more of a difference together.'
On behalf of all at the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service and the countless patients that you've helped over the years, thank you David - you're a lifesaver.
- 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.