Carel Prinsloo (62) donated his 250th unit of blood at the Secunda branch of the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) on July 15.

He gave his first blood donation when he was only 17 years old and serving in the army.

“When I came back from the border those years, I realised I could save lives by donating blood, and I decided to continue,” said Prinsloo.

He is retired now, but he used to work as a coded welder and boiler maker for Sasol in the 90s.

The blood service later opened a branch at Sasol, and Prinsloo won a competition launched by the company to name the new blood service branch.

“The name then was ‘Blou Bloed’,” said Prinsloo.

His wife, Michelle Prinsloo, is also a regular blood donor and has donated 167 units of blood.

In his free time, Prinsloo enjoys fishing. Both he and his wife are avid shooters and members of the hunting association. Prinsloo encouraged others to consider donating blood as well to save lives.

ALSO CHECK: Roadworks on R545 between Bethal and Kriel again in the spotlight

ALSO CHECK: Family from Standerton demands answers after son is taken to initiation school