Son’s fitting tribute to lifesaving father

Andy Hughes’ father, a lifelong blood donor from Flintshire, had always been determined to reach one hundred blood donations, but sadly passed away after making 99 blood donations.

In a heartfelt tribute, Andy contacted the Welsh Blood Service to say he would be dedicating his next blood donation to his dad Kevin, to mark what would have been his father’s 100^th donation.

Commenting on his dad’s dedication to giving blood, Andy said:

“Dad always made a huge point of saying how important it was to give blood; it was like a religion to him. My father passed on his passion for helping people onto each of his three sons. All of us are proud blood donors.

“Giving blood in his memory means the absolute world to me and us all as a family.

“After I donated, the Welsh Blood Service staff gave me Dad's gold heart pin for reaching 100 donations. It is such a fitting tribute for a selfless man who did so much for the local community.

“My father instilled in all of us the importance of giving blood and I hope his story may also make others think about donating themselves. You never know when you or a loved one may be in need.”

Andy’s brothers Chris and Steve have also made plans to donate in their father’s memory.  

Alan Prosser, director of the Welsh Blood Service, said: “Reaching 99 blood donations is an impressive milestone very few people will ever achieve. It is an achievement that shows years of commitment to helping others.

“Every blood donation has the possibility of helping three patients in need, meaning around 300 patients could have benefitted from Kevin’s generous donations over the years.

“Not only has Kevin made a commitment to donating, but his legacy has also passed onto his children. It’s such a fitting gesture for his sons to donate in the memory of their father.

“These donations can really make a lifesaving difference to someone in need.

“Our donors and supporters are the lifeblood of the Welsh Blood Service and I would encourage anyone who is fit and able to consider following in the Hughes’ family footsteps and joining our community of lifesavers.”

Find out how to support the Welsh Blood Service by visiting www.welshblood.org.uk or by calling 0800 252 266 today.

About the Welsh Blood Service (WBS)

Travelling to donate blood is considered essential travel.

• Additional measures have been put in place during the pandemic at every blood donation session to maintain the highest level of safety for donors.
• If you are unsure if you are eligible to donate please view our COVID-19 dedicated webpage for further information http://wbs.wales/coronavirus
• During the pandemic, all our donation clinics are by appointment only.
• Anyone aged between 17 and 66, who weighs over 50 kg (7st 12lb) can become a blood donor but there are height and weight restrictions for females under 20 years old.
• Following Government advice, we are now accepting donations from eligible donors aged 70 or over again.
• WBS collects four types of donation: whole blood, platelets, plasma and bone marrow.
• WBS is responsible for collecting around 100,000 blood donations during a typical year to support 20 hospitals across the whole of Wales.
• All blood donations are tested for: HIV (the aids virus); Hepatitis B; Hepatitis C; Hepatitis E; HTLV (Human T Lymphotropic Virus) and Syphilis

Pictured - Andy Hughes with father Kevin and granddaughter Brooke.