Cessnock’s very own world record blood donor, Phil Baird, will attempt to set two new world records at the Donormobile on Monday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mr. Baird is the current holder of the Guinness World Record for whole blood donations (231), which he set on December 24, 2009.
He applied to Guinness World Records for whole blood donations to become a category on its own – separate from apheresis (plasma and platelets).
Mr. Baird made his first blood donation at 19 years old when he enlisted with the National Service.
He will turn 81 in March, and as this is the cut-off age for giving blood, Monday may well be his last donation.
He recently received a letter from Guinness informing him that he was still the record holder and asking if he would like to “top up” his record.
So he chose to make his 250th donation his new record attempt.
“250 is a significant figure, and it could virtually be my last donation,” Mr. Baird said.
He will also be claiming 60 continuous years of exclusive whole blood donations as a record.
Mr. Baird encourages everyone who is eligible to donate blood next week.
“You know it is going to help someone, and you feel good knowing that you have made a contribution,” he said.
“I wish more people did it.”
Mr. Baird has been thanked by the Australian Red Cross Blood Service for making an amazing difference to the lives of 750 Australians.
“Every one of Phil’s donations help to save three lives, but his contribution has stretched so much further,” Blood Service spokesperson Jemma Falkenmire said.
“Blood donors change more than just the three lives they help to save with each blood donation.
“A donation of blood has a ripple effect, from the person receiving the blood, right through to their entire family and their friends.
“When you give a blood donation you make an amazing difference not only to the recipient but also to their loved ones.”
This week is National Blood Donor Week, and five locals will receive an award for reaching a milestone blood donation in the past 12 months.