DUNDEE KZN: Community unites to help Harry

Community members came out in their numbers this past week, eager to help spread some hope for Harry O’Mullane and in the process, create more awareness of the huge shortage of blood and bone marrow donors in our country.

Held at the Boulevard Centre, residents responded in droves, either to support the Bone Marrow Donor Drive or the Blood Donor Drive. Such was the response that often people had to wait in queues just to donate.

Jen Irons, who oversaw the Bone Marrow Donor Drive station, thanked the South African Blood Bank, the South African Bone Marrow Registry and Orange Grove Dairy (who kindly provided juices) for helping make the day a success. She also thanked each and every person who turned up on the day.

“Harry, your Dundee family, friends and strangers came together on Wednesday as your number one cheerleaders to remind you that you are covered in LOVE and PRAYER to ‘pay-it-forward’ in your name to make a difference and to ensure that good comes out of this very difficult journey you are on,” Jen said. 51 bone marrow donor kits were completed.

WATCH: How to do a Buccal swab (cheek swab)

South African National Blood Service (SANBS) donor relations practitioner Shavani Sewpaul also had high praise for all those who supported the initiative. “I would like to thank Harry, his family, friends and every donor who showed their support at the Dundee Boulevard. Heroes come in all sizes and Harry is our pint-sized HERO! THE SANBS SALUTES THIS LITTLE MAN,” Shavani added.

45 units of blood were collected, which equates to 135 lives saved.

You can still show your support for Harry this Saturday by supporting Round Table’s Round Up for Harry. The event will take place at the Round Table clubhouse in Union Street. You can either walk, run or cycle. Registration starts at 08:00 and the event begins at 09:00.

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