Graham is top blood donor

Published on 30th November 2006 in News

Over the past 35 years Graham Kelsey, from Gilberdyke, has been helping new-born babies and saving lives - just by rolling up his sleeve.

The 53-year-old has been giving blood on a regular basis since just after his 18th birthday and was rewarded for his contributions when, on November 15, at Headingley Cricket Ground in Leeds, he was presented with a crystal plate for donating 75 pints of blood over the past four decades.

"I planned it all ahead," he said. "I just wanted to help people out. There really is nothing to it and it's all over in no time. I don't feel any adverse effects - in fact it makes me feel better."

He was presented with his memento by Wendy Smith, who is from the children's charity Bleeding Kid Disorders, a support group for children with blood disorders in Yorkshire.

Two of her children suffer from haemophilia and require regular blood transfusions to stay alive. "If there wasn't any blood, I wouldn't have the family that I do - I'd be a mother of one instead of a mother of three. These people aren't just giving blood, they're giving the gift of life to families like mine," she said.

Mr Kelsey gives blood at Gilberdyke village hall about every four months as rules suggest allowing time between donations.

To any prospective donors Mr Kelsey says: "Go out and give it a go. I recently discovered that my blood had been used in neo-natal care. Knowing that I had helped new-born babies made it all worthwhile." (30-11-52 SU)