Pensioner thought to be Britain’s longest-serving blood donor calls on people to give blood

Hadley Racher, aged 85, has been giving blood for 67 years and could have personally saved more than 500 lives with his donations, and he's now urged others to donate ahead of Christmas

A pensioner thought to be Britain’s longest serving blood donor has called on people to donate to get the NHS through Christmas.

Hadley Racher, aged 85, has been giving blood for 67 years and could have personally saved more than 500 lives with his donations. The super donor is launching a new appeal in the Mirror today as the NHS has just five weeks to build the stocks needed to get it through Christmas and into the New Year.

The grandad-of-four, who gave blood for the 183rd time last week, said: “It’s vital, especially before Christmas. It’s nice and easy, takes just 20 minutes, but the ramifications for someone who has just had an accident or who need urgent treatment can be huge. I’ll carry on doing this as long as my health allows.”

It comes after the Mirror launched the Give a Pint, Save a Life campaign to help blood stocks recover after the Covid-19 pandemic amid ongoing shortages. One blood donation can save up to three lives. NHS Blood and Transplant has launched a new appeal as it has just five weeks to build the stocks needed to get through Christmas and into the New Year.

Hadley, a retired accountant, gives blood four times a year and has been donating since he turned 18 years old. He spotted an advert for blood donors in his local paper in 1957 but back then you needed permission from a parent to give blood if you were under 21. His mother mistakenly thought he could be at risk so refused to sign the paperwork but Hadley says he forged her signature to make his first donation

He remembers the days when donors would be given a Guinness after donating. He said: “I never do it for a reward, I just do it because I can and it helps people, simple as that. I remember in the old days they’d give you a Guinness, I mean, I wouldn’t say no to that now!”

Hadley, from Rainham in Essex, featured in the Daily Mirror 33 years ago giving blood to be sent to injured British soldiers serving in the first Gulf War. He said: “War had just broken out and I heard an appeal on the news in the morning so I got dressed and went straight out to donate. I didn’t realise the press were going to be there but there were a lot of donors queuing up to give blood. We all wanted to donate to help the troops.”

The Christmas period is particularly busy so people are less likely to find the time to donate. The problem is that the period is also particularly busy for hospitals which need more lifesaving blood. Hadley said: “This campaign is so important. People don’t realise how important giving blood is and how easy it is to do. A lot of people who’ve given blood can lapse because of work pressures and busy home lives but it is vital to keep people alive.”

During Christmas week last year demand for the vital O negative blood type – the universal type used to save lives in emergencies – exceeded collections by 300 units. Last December the NHS collected about 108,000 donations - 10% below the monthly average. There are 100,000 appointments still to fill between now and Christmas week, with most available appointment slots in town and city centre donor centres.

Mark Chambers, director at NHSBT, said: “We are incredibly grateful to people like Hadley who keep coming forward over the years to donate lifesaving blood and then stay with us as long-term regular donors. With 183 donations Hadley could have personally saved 500 or more lives during his 67 years of donations, which is a phenomenal achievement.

“This winter we are asking people to follow Hadley’s example and give the best gift – blood. Between now and the end of Christmas week, we still have over 99,000 appointments that we need to fill.

“Giving blood is quick and easy. The whole process takes just one hour and each donation can save or improve up to three lives. Please book an appointment today and help us save lives this Christmas.”

To book an appointment, visit www.blood.co.uk, use the GiveBlood app or call 0300 123 23 23.