David’s blood donations have helped 300 people – but one donation was really special

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A hundred pints of his O-type blood donated since the 1970s means David Spence has helped at least 300 people.

The most special one was when St James Hospital in Leeds rang to confirm he’d be making his scheduled donate the following day. Said David: “When I confirmed that I would, they thanked me and told me they had an operation planned for the following day on an unborn baby. They needed to know that they had plenty of blood available. That donation was special.”

David, who’s been Treasurer of Glanford Vale Freemasons Lodge for 14 years (a job renowned for collecting from other people, and the old adage about getting blood from stones springs to mind), has just received a medal for giving 100 pints of blood.

He said: “I started in the late 70s whilst working for the Midland Bank . We were allowed an hour out of work and were rewarded with a chocolate biscuit, so who wouldn’t? My blood group is O, which is always in demand as it’s the only blood group that can be given to anyone in an emergency, without having to be matched.”

Could you be a blood donor? It’s worth it, even without the chocolate biscuit. Explore the possibilities with the NHS Blood and Transplant Service here.