Donor commits to saving lives
After visiting a close friend in hospital who required blood after an operation, Roy made the decision to become a blood donor and has not looked back since.
You don’t have to be a doctor to save a life – this is the message the South African Blood Service (SANBS) emphasises to its donors.
For Roy Maduray, donating blood has become an integral part of his life, as he is a regular blood donor, and recently celebrated his milestone blood donation of 125 units.
After visiting a close friend in hospital who required blood after an operation, Roy made the decision to become a blood donor and has not looked back since.
“The doctor who was treating my friend encouraged me to donate blood and assured me if my blood type hadn’t matched it would still be used to save other lives,” said Roy.
At the age of 64, Roy still donates blood at the SANBS Centre and at blood camps.
While he was still employed at a local steel company, he was also a trained HIV councillor.
What are the benefits of donating blood?
According to statistics from the blood service, one pint of blood saves three lives.
Knowing I have contributed to saving more than 375 lives just with my donation, is reward enough.
Yes, being honoured as the donors have at the Milestone Donor Awards recently, also makes us [donors] feel appreciated.
Why is it important to know your blood group?
Both as a recipient and a donor, it is important to know to which blood group you belong because you will never know when you or a friend will need a blood transfusion.
Does donating blood impact your health?
As you age and develop common ailments such as high blood pressure and diabetes, you need to declare the medication you’re taking and constantly monitor your vital signs. In order to help someone else, you need to be healthy. Your blood must be safe to donate.
What is your advice to people who wish to donate blood?
If you’re over 16 years old, weigh more than 50kgs and live a healthy lifestyle, you are the perfect candidate to donate blood. It is also extremely important to be honest in the mandatory questionnaire prior to donating blood.
I encourage the youth and even those that are older to start donating blood.
Roy believes his legacy of donating blood will live on in his grandson Kevin, who excitedly accompanies his grandfather when he goes to donate blood.
“My grandson is 13 years old and he has been coming with me to donate blood and sees that it is not painful or harmful. He is already eager to donate his first pint when he turns 16,” confided Roy.
Roy said it was important for him to set a good example for his grandchildren.
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