York man with rare blood type makes 100th donation

York man with rare blood type makes 100th donation

Robert Boocock, a resident of York, has been a dedicated blood donor with a rare B-negative blood type for the past 40 years. Inspired by his uncle, who was also a long-time blood donor, Boocock recently celebrated his 100th blood donation this year. With fewer than 20,000 B-negative blood donors in England, Boocock’s contributions have been crucial in saving lives.

The 61-year-old shared that his decision to start donating blood was influenced by a personal experience involving his aunt, who required over 20 units of blood during a medical emergency. This realization prompted Boocock to step up and volunteer as a blood donor. Understanding the impact of each donation, he has remained committed to supporting those in need throughout the years.

One particularly meaningful aspect of Boocock’s blood donations is that his blood is suitable for newborns, specifically those who cannot receive blood containing cytomegalovirus (CMV). Knowing that his contributions could directly benefit infants in the neonatal ward has been a source of fulfillment for Boocock. As the NHS faces a shortage of blood donors, especially among younger individuals, Boocock’s story serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for new donors to step up and contribute to this life-saving cause.

Having surpassed 73 donations, Boocock’s dedication to giving blood remains unwavering. Despite his uncle having to cease donating due to health reasons, Boocock continues to strive towards making a positive impact through his contributions. He emphasizes the importance of regular donations, highlighting the analogy of a blood bank account – stressing the necessity of replenishing it in order to ensure a sufficient supply for those in need

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