A GROUP of blood donors from Dorset has been recognised for saving up to 2,250 lives between them.

Ten people received awards from NHS Blood and Transplant for their remarkable efforts.

Andrew Webster, Catherine Jacobs, Roger Davies, Angela Pickett, Godfrey Spracklen, Mary Marchant and William Kirkland were all given awards for donating blood 75 times.

Frederick Street, Ann Maskens and Roger Bowden were all commended for their 100th donations.

Mr Webster, from Portland, said: “I started donating after the birth of my eldest son.

“My wife had to stop donating and she made me carry on because she wanted at least one of us to reach the 75th donation mark.”

Mr Davies, also from Portland, said: “Donating blood has become a habit which I enjoy.

“I have seen firsthand what it is like to benefit from blood donation as my friend’s young son needs regular transfusions due to his blood conditions. The transformation after he receives the blood is remarkable.”

Dorset resident Tricia Moate, who was at the ceremony, was diagnosed with Sarcoma, a rare cancer, in 2004 and has received blood following operations to remove tumours from her body.

She said: “I feel honoured to be invited to say thanks to each and every one of you.

“Your precious gifts of blood have been crucial to my survival.

“I believe I have received about 20 units of blood and I am eternally grateful for every drop.

“I can’t personally thank the people that saved my life, but I want them to know that without their selflessness and dedication, I would not be here now.”

Every donor who has given blood 75 times could have saved up to 225 patients in local hospitals.

Out of the four per cent of the eligible population who give blood, only three per cent ever manage to reach 75 donations and just one per cent reach 100.

Geraldine Parker, lead donor relations manager at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “All our donors are special, but it is a pleasure to thank our dedicated donors in this way.

“They continue to make time to donate come rain or shine and really are the lifeblood of our service.

“We hope that these donors will be an inspiration to everyone that they meet and continue to spread the word and give blood."

Anyone wanting to donate for the first time should be aged between 17 and 65, weighing at least 50kg and in general good health.

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