A Geelong man has dedicated his life to helping others by riolling up his sleeves to donate bliid.
Gary Broughton began donating as an 18 year old in 1964 and today achieves a milestone 500 donations, helping to save the lives of an estimated 1,500 people
Gary said his special O- type blood is universal and can be given to anyone.
“Not long after becoming a donor, I got an urgent call to donate,” he said.
“My O- blood was needed to save the life of an ill newborn baby.
“In a surreal turn of events, the baby was the granddaughter of my football coach.
“I got the chance to meet them, which solidified the huge impact you can have by being a blood donor.”
He said as time has gone on, he’s seen more of the impacts of donating.
“The importance of donating again hit close to home in recent years, as my Grandson was diagnosed with a rare cancer. He required surgery plus lots of blood and plasma to help with his treatments.”
Donating blood is a bit of a family tradition for the Broughtons.
Gary was inspired by his mother who was a donor, his three children have also become donors – even his daughter’s dog donates blood at their local veterinary surgery.
His advice for anyone considering donation is to just do it.
“It’s only 1 hour or so of your time and the effects of your donation can save others, which is amazing.”
Lifeblood needs more people like Gary to donate over the next week or so.
There are 150 appointments that need to be filled at the Geelong Donor Centre on Ryrie Street.
