DEDICATED Black Country blood donors who have potentially saved more than 900 lives between them have been recognised for their loyalty and commitment.

Stephen Rayner, of Kingswinford, and Brierley Hill men Alan Burrows and Eric Hardeman have collectively made 308 blood donations and were honoured for their lifesaving efforts by NHS Blood and Transplant at a ceremony for reaching a century of offerings.

Eric, 65, who has been donating blood for about 45 years, said: “Giving blood feels like such a small thing to do but it can mean so much to other people.

“My wife needed blood after the birth of our first daughter, so I understand how important it is to donate blood.”

Each blood donation can potentially save the lives of up to three people, but out of the three per cent of the population who give blood just one per cent reach 100 donations.

Jennie and Wayne Little, of Kingswinford, parents of Daisy-Mae, who was born extremely premature in December 2013, weighing only 858g and needing five lifesaving blood transfusions over the course of four months in hospital, were special guests at the ceremony.

They said: “Daisy had a lot of issues and problems when she was born and if she had not received blood we don’t think she would be here now.

“She is doing absolutely marvellously thanks to blood donors.”

Then 18 months later, Jennie suffered a severe internal bleed while giving birth to her second daughter Ava-Rose, losing two litres of blood, and she needed six units of blood to save her life.

Jennie said: “I was in hospital for weeks after giving birth and was very poorly. I had four units of blood immediately after surgery and another two units a week later. I felt like a new woman after the extra two units!

“If it was not for the wonderful people who give blood, my two beautiful girls would not have their mother and my husband would not have his wife. Never underestimate the importance of blood donation – blood donors save lives.”

People can give blood as long as they are fit and healthy, weigh over seven stone 12 lbs (50kg) and are aged between 17 and 66 (up to 70 if given blood before). Those aged over 70 need to have given blood in the last two years.

For more information, or to book an appointment, call the donor line on 0300 123 2323 or visit www.blood.co.uk