Rosemary has been a blood donor since 1965

I first became a blood donor in about 1965. We used to go to a hall or similar where they had wooden stretchers and small glass bottles to squeeze. They first pricked your finger with the tip of a razor blade. Had to laugh as one day a young man fainted the moment they took blood from his finger. I worked with him and he never lived that down. After giving blood we always used to look forward to a cup of tea and scones with jam and cream. No computers in those days so the dates were recorded in a little red book which we brought along each time. Although I have had time off now and then with holidays I have always been only too happy to help save lives. On one occasion many years ago the blood bank rang me to please come straight away as a young baby needed a transfusion urgently. This made me feel very humble knowing I did something to make a difference. I am now 71 and still giving blood and I believe I can for a few more years. I have never needed any blood myself so feel very fortunate and only too pleased to be a part of saving lives.