A BLOOD donor from Okehampton has been recognised for his commitment at a ceremony held by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT).

Donald Rooke was joined by 42 others from across Devon to collect their crystal awards at Bickleigh Castle in Tiverton.

The long-serving blood donors had all donated on at least 75 occasions. Out of the four per cent of the eligible population who give blood, only three per cent ever manage to reach 75 donations and just one per cent reach 100.

Mr Rooke, who was commended for his 100th donation recently, said: 'In 1972 I was in a serious motorbike accident. I needed to be given seven pints of blood following the leg injuries that I sustained. It was then I realised how important blood donation is and I have donated at every available opportunity since then.'

Also at the ceremony was Melanie Smart, from Upottery. Melanie knows first hand how important blood donation is as she needed 28 pints of blood following the birth of her fourth child.

Mrs Smart said: 'I know I can't say thank you to the donors who saved my life, but I hope that by being here and telling my story, these blood donors will know that their efforts are hugely appreciated.

'I am indebted to those blood donors that took the time out of their day to donate and I can't say thank you enough. Without them, my four children would not have had a mother. Following my need for blood, my older children all decided to become blood donors at age 17 and I am so proud of them. I can only hope that they go on to reach the milestones that these donors have reached here.'

Jonathan Sewell, lead donor relations manager at NHSBT, said: 'Taking time to donate your blood is one of the most selfless and generous things you can do to help others and the effects of blood donation can be seen everyday.

'As it is not possible for the donors to find out where their blood has gone, we like to invite people like Melanie down to these awards ceremonies so that the donors can see for themselves, how important blood donation is.'

Anyone wanting to donate for the first time should be aged between 17 and 65, weighing at least 50kg (7 stone 12lbs) and in general good health. To book an appointment call the Donor Line on 0300 123 2323 or visit http://www.blood.co.uk">www.blood.co.uk