An Ocean Grove man has made his 650th blood and plasma donation with no intentions of stopping anytime soon.
Ken Baker makes regular donations every two weeks at the Geelong Blood Donar Centre and reached the donation milestone last week.
Mr Baker said he began donating blood when he was 18 and had wanted to donate since he was 13 when blood donors saved his life.
“It’s a habit…and just what I do,” he said.
“I was hit by a car as a youngster, and giving blood has always been my way to pay it back. Somebody else as a blood donor saved me then.
“Hopefully someone might see this and want to join the troops and give some blood, plasma or whatever they can.”
Lifeblood spokesperson Stephanie Reynolds said Mr Baker was a “superhero” and that blood and plasma donations made a big difference to people in need.
“Plasma is a powerful part of blood that can be used in 18 different life-giving ways,” she said.
“These include creating medicines and treatments for medical conditions including cancer, liver disease and immune deficiencies.
“While 650 donations may not be possible for everyone, the good news is every single donation counts. We are so grateful for each and every donor.”
The Geelong Lifeblood Donor Centre is open seven days a week, and 1,200 additional donors are still needed in Geelong to keep up with the demand for blood and blood products.
For more information on donating blood or plasma and making an appointment, call 13 14 95, book online at lifeblood.com.au or visit the DonateBlood app.
