Carol Verney
Carol began giving blood when she was 19 and is now aiming for her 100th donation.
When I was 19 and working at Portals in Hampshire with my best friend Bridget, the blood donation lorry came round to the works. I said to Bridget, come on we get a lie down, cup of tea, biscuits and we get paid while we do it! We are onto a winner. So off we went, I was first, Bridget next. I was ok but Bridget passed out and never gave blood again.
I’ve just given my 90th pint.
When I had given my 50th pint my husband gave me a bouquet of 12 red roses. He also got in touch with the local paper to interview me. My picture and story were published.
(Picture: Carol is aiming for 100 donations)
When I got to 72 donations, I said to the nurse, only a few left to go! She asked, what do you mean? I said, I’m nearly at 75 and I get my presentation and lunch up in London, which was my utmost goal. Oh no, she said, they have stopped that, it’s 100 now! So, I am aiming for that.
The feel-good factor beats anything else
When I made my 75th donation my husband had a champagne flute engraved with my achievement, which stands in a pride of place in my cabinet.
Reaching my 50th and 75th was such an achievement, I just couldn’t believe it, but I keep on and on giving and they keep on and on taking. I hope I will give my 91st unit in April.
I find it really nice to know where my blood goes; the other month it went to a children’s hospital, which I was really chuffed with.
Giving blood is doing something good in your life. The feel-good factor beats anything else. You might need it yourself one day. Plus, you get a lovely cup of tea and an orange chocolate Club biscuit. That’s the reason I give!
That’s my story, hope you enjoyed the journey as much as I have. Here’s to the next 10 donations!
