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Back in 1986, when Geoff Aimson first started
working at Southampton Science Park, he was already well into his stride as
a blood donor. Now, as he reaches his 70th birthday Geoff is retiring from
giving blood, having donated 75 times - an exceptional achievement.
Geoff's prolific contributions began when
he was just 18 years old at the start of his National Service. In those
days, if you gave blood you were given the rest of the day off - quite an
incentive for Geoff and his mates!
A few years later, during his time as the
local village bobby for Chilworth, Geoff says he saw many accidents and
these made him realise the real value of giving blood. And so he continued
to donate regularly for over 50 years.
Geoff's son Mark, also an employee on the
Science Park, has now become a regular donor. After many decades of
donating blood, Geoff can watch with pride as Mark carries on the family
tradition.
Louise Coxon, National Blood Service
communications officer said: "We really cannot thank Geoff enough for
his outstanding dedication to blood donation. At the moment only six per
cent of the eligible population actually give blood yet everyday we need
to collect up to 9,000 blood donations so that lifesaving treatments can
be carried out to a range of patients. Thanks to Geoff's commitment
throughout the years, he has helped to save and improve the lives of more
than 200 people - a truly amazing achievement."
Pictured: Geoff Aimson receiving a special
commemorative plate
from a representative of the National Blood Service.
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