Primary Care Support Officer John Webber donates 76th pint of blood

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board colleague John Webber has recently donated his 76th pint of blood.

John, who first joined the NHS in Cardiff in 1986, has been donating blood for more than 30 years and recently donated his 76th pint to the Welsh Blood Service.

According to the Welsh Blood Service, every donation can help up to three patients in need and an incredible 255 patients could have benefited from John’s donations.

John, a Primary Care Support Officer, said: “I first decided to give blood in 1991 as a result of the Gulf War.

“Before this, I had never thought about giving blood and jokingly said in the office on the Monday morning if they needed blood I would donate. By Friday lunchtime, I was in the Park Hotel in Cardiff giving my first donation.

“It gives you the satisfaction that the blood you have donated may help save a person’s life and when you read the stories of people who have received blood and the difference it has made to their lives, it makes taking 45 minutes out of your daily routine all the worthwhile.”

Hospitals across Wales need 350 donations a day to support patients in need. Most adults can donate blood and donating is quick, simple and safe.

“I would encourage everybody to donate blood,” John added. “You never know when you may need it for yourself or a member of your family. Even if you can’t donate blood there are other ways in which support the Welsh Blood Service.”

To find your nearest donation station and for more information on donating blood, please visit welsh-blood.org.uk.