When Karissa Nicholls required a full blood transfusion at birth, her dad Geoff Blogg stepped forward and he hasn’t stopped since

QUEENSLAND’S leading donor has given about 536 litres of blood and saved countless lives as a result.

WHEN Karissa Nicholls required a full blood transfusion at birth, her dad Geoff Blogg decide to donate blood for her – and he hasn’t stopped since.

Mr Blogg, 67, has been donating blood regularly for decades – earning himself the title of Queensland’s leading blood donor.

For his selfless service to the community, his wife Michelle Blogg has nominated him for a Pride of Australia Community Spirit Medal.

“Geoff’s donations have saved countless lives and assisted others with transfusions and other blood products such as platelets for leukaemia patients,’’ Mrs Blogg said.

Mr Blogg said he was honoured to be nominated and said he chose to become a regular blood donor as part of his contribution to society.

“Karissa was born as a ‘blue baby’ and needed a total transfusion at birth because of an incompatibility in the blood,’’ he said.

“I decided after she was born that it would be my repayment to the system to become a more diligent blood donor.’’

Mr Blogg said he had made approximately 677 donations in every state, had donated about 536 litres of blood and sat for more than 700 hours while giving blood and now donated fortnightly.

“I have met recipients of my blood and it is very rewarding to have met people who have been kept alive … because of the donations.’’

Daughter Karissa Nicholls, 38, said: “When I was younger sometimes I would go with him and watch him donate blood, I’m very proud of him.’’

To submit a nomination and for more information go to couriermail.com.au/prideofaustralia