Shirley donor marks 25th birthday by donating 25th unit of blood

A dedicated blood donor from Shirley donated his 25th unit of blood just days ahead of his 25th birthday at Birmingham Donor Centre on New Street.

Matthew Dawson, an I.T apprentice, has been donating blood since January 2009 after being encouraged by his brother and sister who are also regular blood donors.

With each blood donation potentially saving or improving three lives, Matthew has potentially helped 75 people since that first donation seven years ago.

Matthew is one of the youngest donors to reach 25 donations at Birmingham Donor Centre and has now set himself a target of 100 donations before he is 45 – he also plans to give blood for as long as he is able to.

Matthew said:“Giving blood is one of the easiest ways of helping others and takes very little time.

“If you are able to give blood and help saves lives then why not do it.”

Blood is required to treat patients for a whole range of reasons.

It is used in accident and emergency situations, during surgery and in neonatal care. It is also used as a treatment for cancer and for blood disorders, such as sickle cell anaemia.

You can register as a donor, find out whether there is a session coming up in your area and book an appointment here: www.blood.co.uk or by using an app on your Android, Windows or Apple device – to download, search ‘NHSGiveBlood’ in the app store.

In general, as long as you are fit and healthy, weigh over 7 stone 12 lbs (50kg) and are aged between 17 and 66 (up to 70 if you have given blood before) you should be able to give blood. If you are over 70, you need to have given blood in the last two years to continue donating.