Dunbogan’s Bruce de Graaf cracks 700 blood donations

DUNBOGAN’S Bruce de Graaf celebrated his 700th donation at Lifeblood Port Macquarie on Friday, 20 February.

He now holds the record for the most blood/plasma donations in the Port Macquarie region and is one of the top ten donors in the state.

The 64-year-old has been donating for more than 40 years.

A celebration was held at Lifeblood’s Port Macquarie Donor Centre on Friday as Bruce completed his milestone donation, where he was joined by Benjamin Shuhyta who has made 500 donations, and Member for Port Macquarie Rob Dwyer.

Bruce has O-Positive blood which is always in high demand and used to treat severe anaemia, certain cancers, as well as blood loss due to surgery, childbirth or trauma.

Every fortnight he makes a trip to the Donor Centre, a journey that began after a dare from his Aunty Mary.

“My Aunty Mary told me she had done 70 donations, and that I would never catch her.

“Smart lady that one; the challenge was accepted.

“She is now 85 and had to stop donating a long time ago, but if not for her, and having met people along the way who regularly needed blood transfusions, I would not have reached this milestone.”

A Lifeblood spokesperson told News Of The Area, “We would like to thank Mr de Graaf for his generosity and dedication.

“By becoming a regular blood donor just like Bruce, you will be helping the one in three Australians who will need blood or blood products in their lifetime.

“Blood donation takes just one hour – it’s such a short time spent saving three Australian lives.”

Port Macquarie currently has the capacity for 35 donation appointments per day, which doesn’t meet the supply from donors.

However, a new crop of staff have been trained over the last twelve months, allowing for an extra 100 appointments per week commencing in March.

To donate blood call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au.

By Rachael THORPE