TO show its gratitude to blood donors, The South African National Blood Services Specialised collections unit at Westwood Mall Shopping Centre gifted two of its donors with hampers filled with treats.

Mohamed Ally made his 450th donation while Martin Cafun donated for the 400th time.

Ally, a Metro police Lieutenant Colonel, urged people to consider donating as there is no substitution for blood.

Also read: Queensburgh swimmer dives in for charity

“If a person needs a blood transfusion, that is what they need and you can not use anything else. The process of donating is quick and simple.”

The Sydenham resident said he started donating blood when he was 18.

“I donated occasionally and in 1987 I made a commitment to donate regularly after I was involved in a serious bike accident.

“I needed a blood transfusion, that blood saved my life and it opened my eyes that blood is indeed a gift of life as that donated blood saved my life. It was available when I needed it.”

For many years, he kept to the promise he made to himself to be a regular donor until he was informed that he can make a special donation of plasma and platelets.

“I now only donate just plasma as I had heart problems in 2020 so I was not able to donate platelets,” he said.

Also read: Pinecrest donor centre closes

This he does every two weeks without fail.

The other donor, Cafun, said he started donating blood at a young age but had a 20-year break.

The Newlands West resident donates plasma and platelets.

“After I returned being a regular donor I have never looked back. I made a firm commitment to myself and I wish people could make donating blood their lifestyle,” he said.

For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter here