Colin donates his 200th pint of blood

He did this at the South African National Blood Services’ (SANBS) branch in Bruma.

Mr Bedil started donating in January 1983, after a pharmacist friend convinced him to.

“My friend used to take me to an old blood transfusion centre in Hillbrow. In those days, you could only donate in Hillbrow. There were not many centres like today. The blood was kept in bottles, unlike today where it is stored in bags,” he said.

According to Mr Bedil, his motto of life is the reason he has donated so many times.

“My motto is ‘Be good and do good’. I feel, by giving blood, I can help other people,” he said.

Mr Gavin will be 65 on September 22.

He encouraged everyone who is in good health to donate blood.

“I have done it 200 times. There is nothing to be scared of. Help other people. It costs you nothing,” he said.

Mr Bedil said he is still going to donate more blood.

“As long as I am still healthy and fit, I will do it. I am planing to give blood until my 300th pint,” he said.

He said his wife, Mrs Stephanie Bedil, plays a huge role in keeping him healthy and fit.

“My wife is a good cook. She makes sure I eat healthily. That helps to keep me healthy and fit, to keep donating blood,” said Mr Bedin.

Meanwhile, Aubrey Nkomo (18) from Bez Valley, donated another pint on Friday.

Though he does not remember how many he has donated, he remembers that he has been donating since he was 16.