A DEVOTED Stourbridge blood donor who has potentially saved more than 300 lives has been recognised for his loyalty and commitment.

Michael Pritchard, of Sorrell Walk, has donated blood 100 times and was among a group of donors who were honoured at a recent NHS Blood and Transplant ceremony in Worcester for reaching a century of offerings.

His wife Irene is now urging other Stourbridge folk to start donating. She said: “I’m really proud of Mike continuing to donate blood after all these years.

“However, NHS Blood and Transplant are looking for more people to donate and as donors we are being encouraged to find more people who would like to help.”

Each blood donation can potentially save the lives of up to three people, but out of the three per cent of the population who give blood, just one per cent reach a century of donations.

People can give blood as long as they are fit and healthy, weigh over 7 stone 12 lbs (50kg) and are aged between 17 and 66 (up to 70 if given blood before). Those aged over 70 need to have given blood in the last two years.

For more information, or to book an appointment, call the donor line on 0300 123 2323 or visit www.blood.co.uk