FOUR dedicated blood donors in the Bradford area who have saved or improved up to 1,668 lives between them, have been honoured for their loyalty and commitment.

Among them was 68-year-old Chris Quinn, of Bingley, who started giving blood when he was 18 and working at a factory in Birmingham.

"I just wandered into it really," said Mr Quinn.

"My workmates were doing it so I just went along with them. There's been about a 40 per cent drop in donations over the past few years so I'd like to do all I can to encourage other people to get involved.

T&A COMMENT: LIFESAVERS WHO SET AN EXAMPLE TO EVERYONE

"My wife needed a blood transfusion when she had her daughter, if it hadn't have been for someone giving blood it might have been a dreadful outcome for me.

"It's a bit of self-sufficiency really donating blood, you never know when you or someone you love might need it.".

Mr Quinn has donated blood more than 100 times over the past 50 years.

The others in Bradford district to be honoured were Clifford Moore, 77, of Keighley; Kate Ellison, 53, also of Keighley, and Stewart Anthony, 66, of Glusburn, who have all given blood more than 100 times each.

They were all recognised and awarded commemorative medals by NHS Blood and Transplant at a ceremony at Hazlewood Castle, Tadcaster, recognising the lifesaving efforts of 49 blood donors from the region, who have collectively made 5,350 donations.

Each blood donation can save the lives of up to three people, if a donor has given blood 100 times they have potentially helped save or improve the lives of up to 300 patients, said Amanda Eccles, senior marketing co-ordinator at NHS Blood and Transplant.

But only one per cent of the four per cent of the eligible population who give blood reaches 100 donations.

Guest speaker at the medal-giving ceremony was David Copes, aged 64, who received more than 40 life-saving donations after a serious motorbike accident in October 2007.

He said: “Blood donors make a selfless commitment to give up their spare time, and their blood, to save the lives of complete strangers. Without their dedication I would not be here today.”

Ms Eccles added: “These loyal donors are very special to us, which is why such an event gives us the opportunity to say a real heart felt thanks.

"Between them, they have saved thousands of lives, and improved the lives of countless others who have required blood transfusion. These donors are an inspiration to us all.”

As long as people are fit and healthy, weigh more than 7st 12 lbs and are aged between 17 and 66, or up to 70 if they have given blood before, donors should be able to give blood. Anyone over 70, has to have given blood in the last two years to continue donating.

To book an appointment call the Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 or visit blood.co.uk