GIVING blood saves lives.

And it is estimated that 22 Oxfordshire donors have given enough blood to save as many as 7,527 lives between them.

Their efforts were recognised by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) for their loyalty and commitment at an awards ceremony this month at Oxford’s Four Pillars Hotel. They have all donated on at least 75 separate occasions.

Maurice Earp, of Sandford-on-Thames, has donated 809 times. The record is more than 1,000.

The 59-year-old said: “I was motivated to register to help others. I am able to give platelets every fortnight, so I can and will continue to help people. To encourage others I would say there is no such word as ‘can’t’.”

Helen Chambers, 44, of Cowley, was recognised for her 75th donation and said: “It’s something easy I can do which helps others.

“Donating blood makes me feel like I have done something worthwhile and all it has cost me is a short amount of time.”

Roger Hazelden, of Kennington, also got an award for his 75th donation.

The 65-year-old, whose father and late mother both received blood transfusions, said: “Without donors, people can die. I am lucky to be fit and healthy and I will give as long as I can.

“For the sake of giving up just one hour of your time, you can have the satisfaction of helping others.”

The NHSBT says that each blood donation can potentially save the lives of up to three people. This means that those who have given blood 75 times have helped save the lives of up to 225 patients.

Out of the four per cent of the eligible population who give blood, only three per cent ever manage to reach 75 donations. Just one per cent reach 100.

Dominic Sutherland, lead donor relations manager at NHSBT, said: “The dedication of all these donors is wonderful and we are delighted to honour them in this way.

“We are grateful for every single donation they have given and we hope it inspires existing donors to keep giving regularly.

“New donors are also needed, especially young people, and we urge people to give it a try.

“With Mother’s Day approaching, people are being asked to think about the mothers and babies they could help with their donation.

“Each donation can potentially save the lives of three adults or seven babies.”

Anyone wanting to donate for the first time should be aged between 17-65, weigh at least 50kg or seven stone 12lb, and be in general good health.

Those who have donated before can start again up to their 70th birthday and there is no upper age limit for donors who have donated in the last two years.

  • To book an appointment call the Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 or visit http://blood.co.uk

COUNTY RECIPIENTS

  • Kelvin Hobbs, of Abingdon, awarded for 75th donation
  • Janice Lyon, of Cowley, awarded for 75th donation
  • Margaret Noyce, of Didcot, awarded for 75th donation
  • Doreen Prince, of Kennington, awarded for 75th donation
  • Stephen Reeves, of Boars Hill, awarded for 75th donation
  • Diana Wiggins, of Abingdon, awarded for 75th donation
  • Bryan Goudman, of Botley, awarded for 100th donation
  • Nicholas Parsons, of Littlemore, awarded for his 75th donation
  • James Brady, of Abingdon, awarded for 75th donation
  • Robert Foster, of Kidlington, awarded for 75th donation
  • Keith Wickson, of Marston, awarded for 75th donation
  • Ian Asker, of Botley, awarded for 75th donation
  • Helen Chambers, of Oxford, awarded for 75th donation
  • Roger Hazelden, of Kennington, awarded for his 75th donation
  • Michael Pearman, of Thame, awarded for his 100th donation
  • David Carey, of Chinnor, awarded for 100th donation
  • Barry Ebden, of Clanfield, awarded for 100th donation
  • Christine Halliday, of Shipton-under-Wychwood, awarded for 75th donation
  • Stephen Bird, of Banbury, awarded for 100th donation
  • Maurice Earp, of Sandford-on-Thames, awarded for his 809th donation
  • Stephen Smith, of Bicester, awarded for his 75th donation
  • Michael Wilkinson, of Thame, awarded for his 75th donation