Ted serves the nation - for 50 years!

Ted knows a thing or two about service – he's been doing his bit for his country for half a century.

It was while he was serving – under the old compulsory military conscription programme – that he contributed his first pint of blood to the nation's stock of the good red stuff.

It's been 49 years, since 1967, that the then Private Collett gave up his first pint, at Waiouru Military Camp.

Ted's just brought up a major milestone he's very proud of – the 100th pint of blood has flowed from his veins into the NZ Blood Service.

He visited the Eastern Courier office last week to show his certificate of acknowledgement of the very special century. We enjoyed seeing him.

"I give about four times a year in Manukau and have always enjoyed doing it," says the spritely Burswood 70-year-old.

"I'm in good health, have a good diet, and do it because it's good for the body. I like helping people out.

"Blood donations go to people that have been involved in accidents and have sustained injuries and diseases such as cancer – leukaemia. It's an essential service.

"If people are able to donate blood, they should."

Originally posted at: http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/eastern-courier/82282122/serving-the-nation-is-in-his-blood
Author: PJ TAYLOR
Date: 25 July 2016