Leonard Bennett has made 700 plasma donations in honour of his wife’s battle with leukemia
A Cairns man has helped save the lives of up to 2100 people after donating blood and plasma an incredible 700 times. This is his story.
Cairns
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cairns. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A Cairns man has helped save the lives of up to 2100 people after donating blood and plasma an incredible 700 times.
Len Bennett made his milestone donation on Monday, May 12 at the Lifeblood Cairns North donor centre, and is being celebrated for his efforts which span nearly five decades.
Mr Bennett began donating blood in 1977 after being inspired by a friend.
But it was his wife’s battle with leukemia in the late Nineties which cemented his commitment to giving.
“When my wife was diagnosed with leukemia in 1997, we saw firsthand how important blood donations are for people undergoing cancer treatment,” he said.
“She had many blood product infusions during the course of her successful treatment.”
Plasma and blood donations are used to support patients with cancer, trauma injuries, blood disorders, immune conditions and during childbirth.
Cairns Lifeblood spokesperson Gwendolyne Camaret said Mr Bennett’s ongoing generosity had touched the lives of people from all walks of life.
“Len has helped save lives and improved the quality of life for so many,” Ms Camaret said.
“He’s an inspiration and we hope his story encourages others to roll up their sleeves.”
The call for donors is growing more urgent as hospital demand for plasma and blood increases each year.
Lifeblood needs 100,000 new donors nationally this year to meet demand.
“Data shows one in three people will need blood or blood products in their lifetime, but only one in 30 currently donates,” Ms Camaret said.
A blood donation takes about an hour and can be given every 12 weeks, while plasma donations, which take around 90 minutes, can be made fortnightly.
“An hour of your time might give someone the rest of their life. You never know whose life you might be saving,” Ms Camaret said.
Mr Bennett hopes his milestone encourages others to consider becoming regular donors.
“I’ve been blessed with good health and good veins, so for me it’s a pleasure to donate and help others,” he said.
To book an appointment call 13 14 95, book online at lifeblood.com.au or on the DonateBlood app.
More Coverage
Originally published as Leonard Bennett has made 700 plasma donations in honour of his wife’s battle with leukemia
Parole backlog delays release of prisoners, court told
A backlog at the state’s Parole Board is keeping prisoners locked up for longer, with criminal lawyers being told new applications are unlikely to be considered for at least two months.
Exposed: Qld patients facing lengthy delays for surgery
Patients in Cairns are facing some of the longest surgery wait times in Queensland, with one in five urgent cases delayed longer than clinically recommended, Australia’s peak medical body says.