Staffordshire donor’s life-saving milestone
Blood donor John Tett has donated life-saving platelets at 20 centres across the country while raising funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Retired salesman John, aged 71, from Brewood, Staffordshire, is believed to be one of the highest active donors in the country.
He has given blood since 1973 and started donating platelets in 1982.
John began his challenge in January last year but because of Covid restrictions finally completed it on February 26.
During the time he was able to travel he visited 20 centres across the country from Lancaster to Plymouth and from Cambridge to Bristol, including Birmingham.
The father-of-three has so far raised £4,300 and said: “During the years I reckon I have had more than 800 needles in my arms.
"The people involved are the nicest you could meet and it really does not hurt and I just hope people hearing my story will come forward to donate blood, plasma and platelets.
“In 2019 myself and five other guys raised £6,000 for Music for Mind and Cancer Research and because these charities mainly deal with older people I decided to raise funds for Great Ormond Street which helps families with children who are ill.”
Penny Crook-Jones, Area Matron for the Central West region at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “We are so grateful for his continued dedication.”