TWO blood donors from the Malvern area have been given commemorative medals by NHS Blood and Transplant after giving blood 100 times each.

Roger Pitt, aged 67, from Upper Welland, and Andy Walker, 69, of Malvern, may well have saves some 600 lives between them thanks to their generosity.

The two donors, who given blood 204 times between them, were honoured for their lifesaving efforts at a ceremony in Droitwich, alongside 40 other donors from the region.

Mr Pitt, aged 67, was introduced to giving blood by his mother when he visited sessions with her while she was donating. He wished to follow in her footsteps and has continued to donate for 45 years.

He said: “Giving blood is easy and a good way to help others. I followed my mother’s example and now I’m very proud that my wife and two children are blood donors also.”

Each blood donation can potentially save the lives of up to three people, so if a donor has given blood 100 times they may have helped up to 300 patients.

Karen Healy of NHS Blood and Transplant said: “These loyal donors are very special to us, which is why such an event gives us the opportunity to say a real heart felt thanks. Between them, they have saved hundreds of lives and improved the lives of countless others who have required blood transfusions. These donors are an inspiration to us all.”