Blood donors from Pembrokeshire and surrounding areas have been recognised by the Welsh Blood Service for their life-saving contributions, which have helped save an estimated 17,630 lives.

The celebration took place over two evenings at the Wolfscastle Country Hotel, where 96 donors were honoured for reaching significant donation milestones.

Awards were presented to individuals who had made 50, 75, and 100 whole blood donations, alongside one platelet donor and two exceptional individuals who had donated stem cells to patients in need of life-saving stem cell transplants.

Collectively, the donors being celebrated had made 5,829 donations. With each blood donation having the potential to save up to three lives, their combined efforts represent a remarkable impact on patient care across Wales.

Speaking at the event, David Donegan, Chief Executive Officer of Velindre University NHS Trust, of which the Welsh Blood Service is a division, said: “Thank you for your time, your generosity, and your unwavering support. You are helping us build a future where every patient has access to the care they need, when they need it – and where every donation truly counts.”

Eleri Schiavone, Head of Blood Donation Services at the Welsh Blood Service, added: “Blood is used for many different treatments – cancer care, trauma cases, and even during childbirth. Every donation has the potential to save lives, and it’s vital we continue to celebrate and encourage the incredible generosity of our donors. Events like these remind us of the life-changing impact donors have on patients and their families across Wales.”

Among those honoured was Shirley Evans, one of nine donors to reach the milestone of 100 donations, and one of only three women to do so at the event. Shirley has been donating blood for over 50 years, marking a lifetime of dedication to helping others.

Reflecting on her journey, Shirley shared: “For as long as I can remember, I attended blood donation sessions with my mother, who began donating after her brother received transfusions during surgery. I started donating as soon as I turned 18 and have continued ever since. I’m proud to follow in my mother’s footsteps.”

Also recognised was Graham Stacey, who has made a combined 94 donations of platelets and whole blood. Graham said: "Honestly, I first started donating for the chocolate biscuits, but I keep coming back because it's a lifesaving gift. I have donated blood all around the UK and I can honestly say that I have enjoyed every donation session I have attended."

The event also celebrated donors who had given stem cells, also known as bone marrow donations. These donations can be used to treat patients with certain blood cancers and blood disorders by replacing damaged cells with healthy ones from a donor.

One such donor, Tyenne, was identified as the best match for a patient in the United States from a global database of over 40 million volunteers.

Sharing her experience, Tyenne said: “In 2021, I was told I was the most suitable match for a patient in America. Being able to help someone in that way is something I’m incredibly grateful for and proud to have done. The Welsh Blood Service team couldn’t have done more to support me throughout the entire process.”

If you’re aged 16 to 30, or 16 to 45 if you're from a Black, Asian, mixed heritage or minority ethnic background, you may be eligible to join the Welsh Blood Service’s Stem Cell Registry. Whether you’re eligible yourself or know someone who might be, please help spread the word about this life-changing opportunity.

There are two ways to join the Registry: by requesting a swab kit online or by signing up when giving blood. To find out more about donating blood, platelets, or stem cells, visit welshblood.org.uk or call 0800 252 266.