As part of this week’s National Blood Donor Week celebrations, Bathurst man Ron Webb was presented with a certificate and glass shield in recognition of his effort in making 50 blood donations to the Red Cross Blood Service.
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Mr Webb said he was very proud of his contribution and the opportunity it had given him to give back to the community.
As a young man, Mr Webb loved his football. He played in premiership league and for Newtown in the President’s Cup.
In 1969, when he was just 21 years old, a head-high tackle crushed his carotid artery, leaving him paralysed on one side.
He had to learn to walk and speak again.
Mr Webb said he was unable to give blood then because doctors feared a set back. His health improved and Mr Webb became a blood donor 12 years ago.
In 2013, when his old car finally gave out, the Men of League surprised him with a new car. He was overwhelmed.
Mr Webb said because of this generous gesture he had been able to continue driving out to Bunnings and down to the aquatic centre every three months to give blood at the mobile blood bank.
“I feel proud every time I make a donation,” he said.
“Anybody can get that same feeling of pride by donating blood. All you have to do is call 13 1495 and make an appointment.”
Mr Webb was presented with his award at a special donor recognition event in Orange on Tuesday night.
“I would never have been able to donate so much blood if not for the Men of League and their donation,” he said.
“I wouldn’t have been able to drive to Orange to collect my award either.
“My car takes me out to the blood bank, to do the shopping, attend the Hope Church and help out at the morning tea at St Stephen’s, which is run by Denise and Mark. I take very good care of it. If you look you can see it’s immaculate. It’s going really well.”
Mr Webb started donating blood because it saves lives. He enjoys being able to make a difference.
“I like being able to help in whatever way I can,” he said.
National Blood Donor Week celebrates Australia’s 495,000 incredible, life-saving blood donors.
A Red Cross spokesperson said blood was surprisingly versatile.
“The blood you donate can be made into 22 different medical treatments,” she said.
“People of all walks of life need blood products. Some need it to get them through a serious event in their lives, like cancer or a dangerous pregnancy. Others have medical conditions which mean they need blood products regularly to stay alive or be healthy.”
Each blood donation has the potential to save three lives. To donate call 13 14 95.
