A TRAFFORD dad is tackling a series of gruelling challenges – in a bid to get more people to become blood donors.

Father-of-two Rick Mills knows only too well the importance of blood donation.

Blood transfusions saved his life as a child and his wife, Kerry’s, life eight years ago.

Now he is ‘challenging his 41-year-old body’ to complete a list of athletic tasks – and, rather than asking for sponsorship, he hopes his efforts will encourage people to give blood.

He said: “"I owe my life, my wife's and therefore my children's lives to the service and more importantly to those who selflessly give blood.

"You can't make blood, it has to be donated and I see it as this - pay in now as you never know when you, a family member or friend may need it.".

When he was five, Rick's life was saved by a blood transfusion, following an operation.

In 2007, Rick's wife Kerry went into premature labour with their second son Christian. Christian was still born and Kerry suffered a life-threatening haemorrhage. Kerry needed 13 units of blood to stabilise her condition.

Two years later, when their daughter, Amy, was born, Kerry needed another transfusion.

Rick - a technical training specialist with United Utilities - has lost five stone since deciding to get in shape when his 40th birthday was approaching.

He recently completed his first challenge, the Wilmslow Half Marathon, and other events he is gearing up for include the Great Manchester 10k, Bucket and Spade Bike Ride, Total Warrior Leeds, the Yorkshire Three Peaks, the Salford City 10k and the Great North Run.

Rick, who lives at Woodsend Road South, Flixton, with Kerry, aged 42, and children Matthew, 12, and Amy, five, added: "I'm not getting any younger but while fit enough I can do these challenges to help spread the message of the importance of blood and sign up a few new donors."

People can follow Rick's progress on Twitter at #bloodnotmoney or @MancMills.

For details on becoming a blood donor call the Manchester Donor Centre on 0300 123 23 23 or visit http://www.blood.co.uk/donor-information/blood-centres/manchester/