Alan reaches bloody good milestone

ALAN Hawkes has notched up the impressive milestone of five hundred combined blood and plasma donations over a period of almost fifty-six years.

Mr Hawkes reached the 500 mark late last month and was treated to a small celebration by Australian Red Cross Lifeblood staff at the Ballarat Blood Donor Centre in La Trobe Street.

Mr Hawkes said he made his first donation on 18 November 1986, along with work colleagues from Eureka Valves.

“Back then you had to line up at the old base hospital to donate,” he said. “Once I started, I just kept going because there is always a demand for blood and plasma.”

He encourages others to get involved.

“I urge anyone considering donating to simply give it a go,” he said.

“It doesn’t hurt, only takes a little bit of your time and you get a free coffee and cake afterwards.”

Mr Hawkes shared the occasion with his daughter, who also made a donation on the day.

Lifeblood spokesperson Emily Granland said Mr Hawkes is an “incredible example” of someone making a meaningful difference to people who need blood or plasma.

“Plasma is a powerful part of blood that can be used in 18 different life-giving ways including creating medicines and in treatments for medical conditions including cancer, liver disease and immune deficiencies,” she said.

“While 500 donations is not possible for everyone, the good news is every single donation counts.

“We are so grateful for every donor.”

Cancer treatment, emergency surgery, road trauma and bleeding during childbirth are among the most common uses for donated blood.

Lifeblood still needs 350 donors in Ballarat through to the end of this month, particularly from donors with types O and A blood.

Regular donors, those who have not donated for a while and others who have been thinking about donating for the first time can make an appointment by phoning 13 14 95.

Bookings can also be made online at lifeblood.com.au or on the DonateBlood app.