Linda's reason for donating

I started giving full blood at the age of 16 at school in Dunedin as it got me out of Economics classes, and you got free tea and biscuits. I was 16 after all.
But at the back of it all was my mum who was born with a hole in her heart, so was a heart baby. She could not give blood but needed blood. My eldest and dearest sister Kristine, was also born with a hole in her heart and got operated on at Greenlane hospital when she was 4 years old. Her daughter Rachel was also born with a hole in her heart, and was operated on in Dunedin. Rachel went on to have 2 gorgeous twin boys, both born with holes in their hearts. One has been operated on at Starship hospital. I give because my family have needed blood/plasma products. I give because I'm healthy. I'm lucky!! My husband and 3 children are all donors when they can. I am so proud of them. It only costs us a small amount of time, and we help to save lives. We are volunteers, life savers, family!! One day we may need someones blood/plasma, we do what we can when we can. It is my privilege and honour to he able to help our Kiwi New Zealand family