NZ's Most Generous Blood Donor Still A Hero

MEDIA RELEASE 03 April 2007

New Zealand’s most generous blood donor still a NZ Blood Service hero

The New Zealand Blood Service says concern for the health of the donor was behind the decision not to proceed with a milestone plasma donation today.

Sixty six year old Auckland man Graeme Thomas has been donating plasma for nearly 40 years (since the plasma donation programme inception in 1968). He donates plasma every fortnight and it was believed that today would be his 450th donation.

Unfortunately the pressure of all the attention Mr Thomas was receiving and anticipation of media coverage contributed to an increase in his blood pressure beyond pre-determined safe limits and the decision was made not to proceed with the donation in the interests of Mr Thomas’ health.

New Zealand Blood Service Chief Executive, Fiona Ritsma, says “It’s obviously disappointing, but the good news is that a further check of our records confirmed that Mr Thomas was actually due to make his 451st donation today – so he’s already achieved the 450 milestone!”

“We’re very proud of Mr Thomas’ blood donation record. He should be congratulated for being New Zealand’s most generous blood donor and we salute the significant contribution he has made to saving the lives of other New Zealanders over almost 40 years through the simple and caring act of donating blood.”

The New Zealand Blood service encourages other healthy New Zealanders to follow Mr Thomas’ example and become blood donors.

ENDS

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