Scottish family saves hundreds of lives

As a blood donor, you might not be aware of the huge difference you make. However one Edinburgh family have shown exactly how much two blood donors can do.

Rosalynn Rogers and father Philip Rae have given 202 donations between them, saving or improving the lives of up to 606 patients across Scotland. As each donation can save or improve the lives of up to three people, every single donation given will have had a huge impact on someone in need.

Philip started his donation journey back in 1958 during National Service in the RAF, daughter Rosalynn told us:   

Give it a try. It's not painful, there's no skill involved, it’s the best gift you can give - and the tea and biscuits are very welcome! Rosalynn McFarlane

"In those days it was mandatory to give blood in the forces, however he did say you got a half day off duties, so it was worth it. After returning home Dad continued to give blood regularly and it just became routine for him, in the same way you planned trips to the dentist. 

"When my brother and I were both old enough, we were automatically taken along to our local session in Leith, we never questioned it and it just seemed the normal thing for families to do. 

"My brother continues to give blood regularly and neither of us ever looked on our donation as anything special - it’s an hour out your day, a few times a year, to help save a life.  Throughout the years we have been lucky enough to have generally good health and would like to help others have the same.

"I felt very proud being able to stand alongside my dad and receive our awards together. That's when the reality of what we do and who it helps really hits home. Unfortunately neither my husband or my mum can give for health reasons but we continue to do so as for all these years. As a family, we've been brought up to believe it's just what everyone did.

"For all regular donors I would say well done, keep giving blood when you are called, as we never know what life will throw at us, or when our own our families might need to receive a donor's blood. 

"For non-donors my message would be to give it a try. It's not painful, there's no skill involved, it’s the best gift you can give anyone, and the tea and biscuits are very welcome."

• To become a blood donor, call 0345 90 90 999 or sign up.