A TIMPERLEY man who has helped save up to 300 people’s lives has been honoured.

Dedicated blood donor Derek Walton, 73, was recognised by NHS Blood and Transplant for his loyalty and commitment at a ceremony in The Monastrey at Gorton recently.

Derek, who has been donating blood since 1962, received an award and certificate for reaching his 100th blood donation milestone.

Each blood donation can save the lives of up to three people. If a donor has given blood 100 times, they have potentially helped save, or improve the lives of up to 300 patients. Out of the three per cent of the eligible population who give blood, just one per cent reaches 100 donations.

Amanda Eccles, from NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “These dedicated blood donors are very special to us, which is why this ceremony gives us the opportunity to say thank you.”

Blood recipient Rick Mills was invited to speak at the ceremony. Rick, a technical trainer, aged 42 and from Flixton, received a life-saving blood transfusion following an operation as a child.

He was again reminded of the importance of blood donation in 2007, when his wife Kerry went into premature labour with their second son Christian. Devastatingly, Christian was stillborn 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 now spends a lot of his spare time actively promoting blood donation through physical challenges and instead of asking for sponsorship money, Rick asks people to donate blood instead.

Rick said: “I owe my life, my wife’s life, and therefore my children’s lives, to those who selflessly give blood. You can’t make blood, it has to be donated, and I see it like this – pay in now as you never know when you, a family member or a friend may need it.”

To book an appointment to give blood, call the Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 or visit blood.co.uk