200 units of blood donated

James ‘Jimmy’ Robertson donated his 200th unit of blood to the SANBS on September 26.
“It must have been in the 1960s when I started donating blood.
“And those days we had to follow the SANBS around town, usually at the community centre or the schools,” remembered Robertson.
He says at times he would drive to Boksburg to find a place to donate.
The 75-year-old said his goal is to reach three hundred units.
“I probably won’t reach my goal because the older I get the less blood I can donate.
“For me, it was just a case of serving my community. I just wanted to do something good for other people,” he added.

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He used to be able to donate six times a year, but now he has gone down to four.
Robertson says he often thinks about how the blood he has donated helped people that he will never meet.
According to the SANBS, one unit of blood can help up to three people.
“I encourage everyone to start donating blood.
“Especially young people, because the earlier you start, the more you can give in the end,” he said.
Robertson’s two daughters are also blood donors.
His son is not able to donate because of a medical condition.
“I am also grateful for all the people I have met during these sessions.
“Some of those memories have stayed with me all these years,” he added.

Also read: SANBS continues to battle critically low blood stocks

Robertson says his body is so used to process that he can feel it when the time comes for him to donate.
“One time I skipped my date and I really felt sick.
“It was like I was going through withdrawals,” he said.
Mosa Kobe, clinic supervisor of SANBS Springs Mall said she is grateful for Robertson’s contribution.
“We are low on stock at the moment, so we appreciate every drop we get.
“And to consider that even at his age he continues to support this cause,” she added.
The SANBS Springs Mall is open every weekday between 10:00 and 18:00.
They accept walk-ins.
Prospective donors need to weigh 50kg or more and be in good health.
For more information contact 011 897 4931.

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