Award for donor's 100 pints of blood

Mary was recognised for her loyalty and commitment at a ceremony held at The Grange Hotel in Cumbria, along with fellow Morecambrian Tim Rigby, 48.

They were both presented with an award and certificate for reaching their 100th donation milestones.

Mary said: “ I gave my first donation in 1986- I used to give plasma but the plasma unit at The Moor hospital closed down.

“I had my first child Janet in 1966 and it was then that I made my husband go and give a pint of blood. It turned out he was the same blood group as me, A Rhesus negative. When the kids were grown up i decided to do something about it and donate blood myself.

“I give blood every 14 weeks at the blood bank in Lancaster and I’ve agreed for a sample of my blood to be used for research in future years.

“It’s just a way of life for me now, I don’t think anything of it. I was quite chuffed to receive an award, I got a certificate and a medal and we had our pictures taken.

“As long as I am fit and healthy I can carry on giving blood.

“I think it’s just a worthwhile cause. I just feel somebody somewhere every day is needing blood.”

If a donor has given blood 100 times, they have potentially helped save or improve the lives of up to 300 patients.

To book an appointment to give blood call 0300 123 23 23.