Jon's reasons for donating

I started donating in the early 70s. Two reasons really, one was peer pressure at work and the other was wanting to paint my blood type on my motorcycle helmet just in case. A precaution that thankfully wasn't necessary. In Palmy, donations back then were in an old house in Heretaunga Street, behind the hospital. We were given a local anaesthetic first, strange now when you think about it. Donations were managed by a card system, a far cry from today's super phone app. I dropped off the system when they went digital but went back after a few years. I can confidently say that it has changed my life, possibly saved it. When I turned 60 and the pre-donation checks increased the nurse was concerned about the number of missing heartbeats and told me to see my doctor. I ended up having an ultrasound which showed things to be ok but my blood pressure and cholesterol were way up and stressing my heart. Too much weight in the wrong places. Now, 20kg lighter and 70 this year I'm in good shape and still donating.