A century and a legacy

Mollie Clithero is now the proud owner of a bronze donor card having made her fifth donation and it’s clear where her she gets her inspiration. Her grandmother, Judy, has now made her a hundred donations of O negative blood and is still showing no signs of slowing down.

Every blood donation is important, but reaching 100 is no small feat. Relatively few donors make it to three figures, making O negative Judy part of a very small club.

Only around 8% of the population has O negative blood, but it makes up around 13% of hospital requests. That’s because O negative is 'universal' – anyone can receive it, making it vitally important in emergency situations.

For Judy, 71, the century of donations is made all the more special by the legacy she has forged.

Judy’s daughter, Caroline, has now reached 40 donations, and the pair served as perfect role models for a young Mollie.

"I used to watch Nan and Mum give blood when I was a child and I couldn’t wait to join in," says Mollie.

"They are both incredibly strong women, so seeing them donate blood with a smile on their face made me want to do it too.

"Giving blood is a bonding act that my family does together and makes a day out of. I think it's important to put yourself into the shoes of someone who needs that blood and how you would feel if it was you or your family member.

"People need to get talking about donating blood to inspire others to do it, especially in the younger generation as it's not something that is widely discussed. Being in the younger generation myself, if it wasn’t for my mum and nan, I wouldn’t be aware of the realities of blood donating."

After Mollie’s fifth donation, she received her bronze donor card which recognises reaching her first milestone.

Statistics show that donors who reach their fifth donation are much more likely to continue donating in the long term.

Mum, Caroline knows just how crucial donated blood is, too: last year, her friend discovered she had blood cancer. "You never know when family or friends will be in a situation of needing blood,” she says.

"Anything that helps anyone to survive is fantastic and giving blood is a very small thing to do. Seeing the journey of your blood and where it has gone is pretty amazing, but I must admit that when my blood goes to a children’s hospital it gives me a warm feeling."

Although she made most of her 100 donations before the introduction of the post-donation text message, Judy is quick to agree: "I love getting emails showing you where your blood has ended up and it's extra special when your blood goes to a children’s hospital because they are so small and vulnerable.

"You're not just helping the child but the family as well."