DONATION: Breeda O'Donoghue from Rathmore, who has donated blood over 50 times, is calling on others to give the gift of blood.

EXCLUSIVE

By Sean Moriarty

A Rathmore woman who has donated blood over 50 times is calling on more locals to donate.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Board is operating blood donation clinics in the Dromhall Hotel from Monday to Thursday next (September 28 to October 1).

Breeda O’Donoghue is preparing for her 51st donation having first donated blood over 30 years ago.

The mother of three donates every three months and is encouraging more to do the same.

“In my 30 years donating it has never once impacted on my life in a negative way,” she told the Killarney Advertiser. “My three sons, the youngest 19, does it and it such an important thing to do.”

One of Breeda’s favourite parts of the whole process is knowing her healthy blood is going to help someone less fortunate.

“The Irish Blood Transfusion Board (IBTB) always ring you and tell you where your blood went to. My last donation went to someone in Wexford, but it could be a hospital too,” she added. “The main point I want to get across is people should be doing this, it does not impact their lives in anyway but it could save someone else.”

New changes introduced as a result of COVID-19 restrictions mean donors must pre-register, via www.giveblood.ie, for each clinic as walk-ins are no longer allowed. All other COVID-19 regulations like social distancing and mask wearing are observed during each clinic. Also, donations are not allowed while pregnant or one year after giving birth.

“Despite COVID-19, the IBTS have continued to provide safe blood for hospitals across the country," Maureen Gill-Emerson, IBTS Donor Services Manager, said.

"To do this, we need to rely on regular and new donors to attend the clinics. Our donors’ safety is a priority and we are so grateful for their support in helping us maintain the blood supply. Our appointment system will allow for social distancing and we’ve added further precautions to ensure their well-being. There is no substitute for blood. Each blood donation can save up to three lives and every donor that comes into a clinic is allowing hospital patients more time with their loved ones.”