Blood donors make a difference

In a world where heroes often wear capes, Lukas Barnard (75), Pieter van Rensburg (65), and Michael Steeneveld (69) are proving that true superheroes wear kindness, compassion and a willingness to help others.

These three unsung champions have over the past decades made it their mission and commitment to visit the Westgate Donor Centre every second week, donating blood platelets and plasma to those in need. Lukas has donated an impressive 500 units, followed by Pieter with 442 units and Michael with 200 units.

Also read: SANBS praises and honours donors

On Wednesday, March 13, the centre celebrated, empowered and encouraged these individuals for their tireless efforts and commitment to saving.

“As the South African National Blood Service, we take our hats off to these three remarkable donors for achieving such incredible milestones. Such milestones don’t come easy. It takes time, dedication and passion to make a difference to get here. It is donors like these whose zeal to donate blood has kept us going as an organisation, in turn, enabling us to provide sufficient blood that is safe to the patients in hospitals. If you are encouraged to be like them, start as early as 16 and remain a committed donor,” said Siso Naile, the donor relations officer for Egoli West.

The Roodepoort Record had an opportunity to chat to these donors and find out how long they have been donating and what drives them.

Lukas Barnard said he has been donating blood for more than 50 years now this comes after some of his colleagues nagged him to donate blood.

“I was never really into it until my wife had a major operation and needed to get blood. One doctor informed me that the one pile of blood saved her life. I saw the importance of this and since then I committed myself to saving others because patients are dependent on us. It makes me feel good that I have contributed to the need in the country,” he said.

Pieter van Rensburg shared that he has been donating for 35 years and has also committed himself to it.

“We came here every two weeks because blood platelets are very crucial, especially for cancer patients. I have decided to help others and contribute positively to the society.”

Michael Steeneveld said it has become a norm that they see each other every two weeks for a good cause.

“We chat and encourage each other and think about the lives we save. I have also encouraged my family and fellow cyclists to also start saving lives.”