A DURBAN North resident has reached a remarkable milestone this month, celebrating 40 years of blood donation and completing his 215th unit, a contribution that may have helped save up to 645 lives.

“40 years ago, on the 12th of July 1985, an icy cold winter’s day in Johannesburg, I became a blood donor. Today, 12th July 2025, a chilly day in Durban, I am donating my 215th unit of whole blood,” said Greg Rodda.

Rodda, whose blood type is O positive, began donating shortly before turning 21, inspired by his late father’s example.

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“As a child, I would watch my dad go and donate blood. When I came of age, it just felt like the natural thing to do,” he said.

Looking back, Rodda says he never imagined he’d reach such a number.

“You don’t know what life will throw at you. I never set out to hit a big number, but now that I’ve reached it, it feels like a good milestone,” he said.

Over the years, his motivation has grown more personal. He recalls the moment his five-year-old daughter required a blood transfusion due to a burst ulcer, and another instance when a neonatal intensive care unit nurse rushed his blood to a clinic for a five-day-old baby in need.

“Those moments bring home just how critical blood donation is. You realise it’s not just numbers, it’s people, it’s lives. I see it as something special I can do. What better way to give than with the gift of life?”

For him, donating is not routine but something meaningful every time.

“I always consider it special. It’s my way of giving back. You might not see who it helps, but you know it matters,” he said.

“There’s really nothing to be afraid of. SANBS once had a poster of a baby in ICU, it read that the child’s need is far greater than your fear. Cancer patients, accident victims are going through so much more than a needle prick.”

Over the decades, Rodda has seen some changes to the process, particularly in the guidelines around donation frequency and eligibility due to tattoos.

Yet his commitment has never wavered. He uses social media to encourage others to join him. Now, at 215 units, Rodda is aiming for the next big goal: 250.

“I’m going all out while I’m still strong. If you’re fit and healthy, you can be part of the 1% of our population who  currently donate blood.”

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