Ipswich man hits milestone after donating blood, plasma 100 times during life

One Ipswich man has donated blood and plasma since he was a teenager.

John King gives his 100th blood donation in Ipswich during National Blood Donor week.

An Ipswich man has hit a milestone in a lifelong bid to help save lives.

Rising bright and early on Saturday morning, John King made his 100th blood donation.

He reached the triple-digit achievement during National Blood Donor Week, which wrapped up on Sunday.

Mr King is among 2,946 Ipswich donors being thanked for their contribution to saving lives.

Lifeblood spokeswoman Sandee Thompson said blood donation was something anyone could do.

Mr King’s journey began many years ago, while he was still a teenager.

"From cancer patients to road trauma victims, people with blood disorders to burns victims, donated blood underpins quality healthcare in Australia," Mrs Thompson said.

"Each week, Australia's blood donors collectively give 31,000 donations - that's the equivalent of a donation every 24 seconds in the time our blood donor centres are open."

Mr King's journey began many years ago, while he was still a teenager.

"I walked into the Queen Street Blood Donor Centre when I was 17 or 18, as giving blood seemed like a good thing to do," Mr King said.

He didn't stop there, continuing to donate plasma whenever he could.

"I worked for Queensland Rail in Mt Isa and Charters Towers in my younger days," he said.

"Back then, you donated at the local hospital, so I gave when I could."

Mr King joined the air force and was able to keep up his donating while based in various locations across Australia, including Darwin, Laverton and the RAAF Base at Amberley.

Over the next two weeks, Ipswich Blood Donor Centre will need 170 donors in order to meet demand. (Pictured: John King)

When he first began donating at Ipswich Blood Donor Centre, he was told his AB blood type was rare and ideal for plasma.

"I've been doing plasma donating every fortnight since," he said.

His 100 donations have helped saved the lives of up to 300 patients across the country.

Over the next two weeks, Ipswich Blood Donor Centre will need 170 donors in order to meet demand.

"Giving blood feels great, and it only takes an hour of your time. We're calling on Ipswich locals to make a change for life and become a blood donor," Mrs Thompson said.

 

Read more news by Ebony Graveur.

Originally published as Extraordinary man donates blood, plasma 100 times