DEDICATED Dudley blood donors who have potentially saved more than 1,000 lives between them have been recognised for their loyalty and commitment.

Four donors; Roger Middleton, 64, and Peter James Bratt, 77 of Dudley, and George Nixon, 70, and Andrew Keen, 63, of Sedgley, have collectively made 412 donations and they were among those honoured at a recent NHS Blood and Transplant ceremony.

They joined 41 other blood donors from across the Midlands that had made more than 100 contributions.

George, who has been donating blood for 51 years after working as a first aider at Roundoak Steelworks in Brierley Hill, said: “As a first aider I saw first-hand some of the accidents which would require more than a bandage and I thought it would be a good idea to be a blood donor.

“My granddaughter Amelia needed blood after contracting meningitis when she was seven months old.

“Giving blood is easy and only takes an hour three or four times a year but is so important for those who need it.”

Out of the three per cent of the population who give blood, just one per cent reach a century of donations.

Peter, who has been donating blood since August 12, 1960, after being encouraged by a workplace promotion and by a family member who had needed blood earlier in the year, said: “Giving blood is something so valuable yet it cannot be bought.

“Blood donations have helped my father in law with treatment for a stomach ulcer and my sister law during cancer treatment.”

Each blood donation can potentially save the lives of up to three people, so if a donor has given blood 100 times they have potentially helped save the lives of up to 300 patients in local hospitals through donating blood.

Karen Healy, senior marketing coordinator at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “These loyal donors are very special to us and such an event gives us the opportunity to say a real heartfelt thanks.

“Between them they have saved hundreds of lives and improved the lives of countless others who have required blood transfusions. These donors are an inspiration to us all.”

People can give blood as long as they are fit and healthy, weigh over 7 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