Nairn blood session sees 75th and 128th donations that are ‘so effortless’
A former doctor was among those giving blood at a community donation session last week.
Having seen up close the benefits of blood donation it is perhaps no surprise that he should be a regular donor but, as Dr Alan Rodger explained, his habit of donating began even before he was a fully qualified presence on the wards.
“Giving blood is so effortless but it can make such a huge difference to someone less fortunate,” he said while making what was his 128th donation, at Nairn Community Centre.
“I started to give blood when I was a student. The donor service were in my area when I went home for Christmas. Both my parents had previously given blood and it just always felt like a good thing to do.”
“Thinking about it, you just never know who your donation is going to help. It might be someone who needs a lot of support from a few donors or it might be a baby who could just need a few teaspoons to make the difference.
“Regardless of that, you can always rest assured that it’s going to help someone else out there and that’s the only motivation you need to keep you coming back.”
He added: “I’d say to anyone who hasn’t donated before or who hasn’t been in a while to just do it if you’re able to at all.
“It’s a straightforward process and the time while you donate is one of the few quiet times you get to yourself in life these days!
”Having previously worked as a doctor in surgery and in A&E, I’ve seen the demand for blood first hand.”
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Also attending at the session was Colin Patterson, who received an award for making what was his 75th donation.
“I started to give blood when I joined the police and soon realised that it took up a short amount of time, once every few months, but could be of huge benefit to someone else out there,” he said.
“It’s such an easy thing to do, the appointment booking system makes it all straightforward and the staff are lovely too.
“It’s not in the least bit painful and it’s so worthwhile.
“Donating blood is something you can do that gives you the ‘feel good’ factor.
“I joined the police force so I could help people and now I’ve retired this is a way that I can carry on that legacy.”
Upcoming donation sessions include at Barn Church in Culloden on March 11 from 4.30-7.30pm as well as Moray Sports Centre in Elgin on March 12 from 2-4pm and 5.30-7.30pm.
More regular donation sessions are also held at the Inverness Donor Centre based at Raigmore Hospital.
Highland News and Media wants to bring 5000 people in to give blood between now and Easter.
Join our campaign to give blood and save lives.
Book an appointment to give blood at www.scotblood.co.uk, or call 0345 90 90 999 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm).
