Posted on: Friday 14 June 2024
Malcolm Evans is the longest service blood donor in Wales - and one of the longest serving donors in the UK!
Malcom, from Griffithstown, Pontypool, has given 156 donations and saved hundreds of lives.
This World Blood Donation Day, Malcolm says he hopes he can inspire others to follow his lead.
Malcolm, 82, who has been giving blood for nearly 63 years, said: "Having given 156 donations, I am delighted to hear it has saved 468 lives. I love to think I am providing a service. I feel very fortunate in my life and if I can help others, I am pleased to do so.
"I started giving in July 1960 and I have been giving ever since. It has been my ambition to give blood as often as I can and to have achieved this level now, I am very pleased.
"I hope others will follow me and do the same - it's easy to give and it's life-giving."
Peter Richardson, Deputy Director of Welsh Blood Service said: “We're so grateful to donors like Malcolm, who selflessly turn up to donate blood with us time and time again. Malcolm's years of commitment to helping others are truly remarkable, and his number of donations is staggering.
“We're hoping Malcolm and the stories like his that we're sharing all this week as part of National Blood Donor Week will inspire people to put aside an hour of their time and give blood.
“Every single donation counts, so whether you've never given blood before or you haven't been to donate in a while, please consider booking an appointment with us, and helping patients in need.”
Watch Malcolm in action at his 152nd donation
Last year, Malcolm was given awarded for reaching 150 donations at an event at the Parkway Hotel in Cwmbran, alongside 47 other donors celebrating their 50th, 75th and 100th whole blood donations, platelet and bone marrow.
So far this year, donors in Torfaen have provided 1,207 units of blood.
In May, the service provided Welsh hospitals with 6,435 units of blood, including 572 units to the Grange University Hospital, in Cwmbran.
Find out what donating blood involves and where you can donate this summer