Leslie Rowley, an 83-year-old man from Ketton, Lincolnshire, has been recognized for donating his rare O negative blood for over 60 years and has recently celebrated his 175th pint donation. He has saved the lives of many babies and individuals in need by giving his blood, which is especially crucial due to its rarity and ability to be used by people with any blood type. Leslie started donating blood in 1964 after witnessing a horrific accident at work, which inspired him to give back and help others. His blood is often used in baby units and for patients undergoing heart operations or cancer treatments. Leslie plans to continue donating and aims to reach 200 pints by the time he turns 90, becoming the oldest blood donor in Britain.
Leslie shared that the first time he donated blood was in Stamford in the 1960s, and not much has changed about the process since then. He mentioned that he has never been bothered by giving blood, as the process only takes around six minutes, and the impact it has on patients is what matters the most to him. Leslie is committed to raising awareness and encouraging young people to donate blood, as he believes that the healthcare system is in need of more blood donations. He also shared that he needed blood transfusions when he was born, which further motivates him to continue his efforts in donating blood regularly. Leslie’s dedication to helping others and his willingness to donate blood multiple times a year showcase his selflessness and commitment to giving back to his community.
In addition to sharing his personal motivation for donating blood, Leslie also expressed gratitude for the recognition he received from volunteers during his recent donation at a blood donation clinic in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. He was presented with a crystal decanter and an engraved glass dish to honor his achievement of reaching the milestone of 175 pints donated. Leslie was touched by the gesture, with tears rolling down his face, showing his humility and appreciation for the acknowledgment of his contributions. Despite this recognition, Leslie remains modest about his efforts, emphasizing that the main goal of donating blood is to help those in need and make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Leslie’s dedication to donating blood over the span of 60 years highlights the importance of regular blood donations in saving lives and supporting healthcare services. His commitment to reaching 200 pints by his 90th birthday demonstrates his unwavering passion for helping others and making a difference in his community. Leslie’s story serves as a testament to the generosity and kindness of individuals who selflessly give their time and resources to support those in need. His advocacy for blood donation and encouragement of young people to get involved in helping others reflects his belief in the power of collective action and the positive impact it can have on society. Leslie Rowley’s remarkable journey as a blood donor exemplifies the significant contributions that individuals can make through simple acts of kindness and generosity.
