'They told me my blood had been donated to a baby, I was really touched' - woman who has donated over 50 times urges others to sign up

""We need more new and younger 'repeat' donors and donors of African heritage to ensure the national blood supply remains safe and secure"."

""It was coming up to Lent, and everybody was talking about giving up things, and I was trying to think of something positive that I could do," said Ms O'Hara, who had no previous connection to the service prior to her first donation in 2001."

""I said I'd give a pint of blood and I found the whole experience very positive - and I never stopped after that," said Ms O'Hara."

""I love to get the message - it says that your donation has been received by whatever hospital it has gone to," said Ms O'Hara, who believes that donating blood is a small thing, that can make a very big difference."

The national blood supply is approaching dangerously low levels and a national appeal seeks more donors. More new and younger repeat donors, and donors of African heritage, are needed to ensure safety and security. Donors are described as among the most loyal. Fiona O'Hara from Kinsealy reached 50 donations since starting in 2001 after deciding to give blood at Lent; she donates about twice a year. Donation is subject to temporary exclusions such as recent travel to certain countries, pregnancy, recent surgery, or low iron. Donors receive text updates when blood reaches hospitals and find the process thorough and impactful.

Read at Irish Independent