by Alan Jacques
COUNTY Limerick man Kieron Brislane has just donated his one hundredth pint of blood.
Over the past 35 years, the Dell worker from Kildimo has regularly given blood to help others lead normal healthy lives. The total volume of blood taken is 470ml, which is less than a pint, but over three decades Kieron has donated 100 pints.
“It was after an appeal to give blood that I went along with two of my friends for the first time. It just became something that I continued to do regularly through the years,” Kieron told the Limerick Post.
“I am pleased to do this. It is easy to do and doesn’t cost anything. Other people do other things but for me I make my contribution by giving blood.”
Every year thousands of patients require blood transfusions in Irish hospitals. A total of 3,000 donations are needed every week in Ireland with over 1,000 people receiving transfusions weekly.
Only three per cent of the Irish population give blood, providing blood for a population of over four million. And while only five per cent of the Irish population eligible to give blood, do so, Kieron said he would encourage people to donate their blood.
“Yes, I would encourage people to give blood. It take two hours every 90 days, which is very little time to give, when you know you are making a big difference to someone else’s life,” he said.
For more details on how to give blood contact 1850 731 137 or log onto www.giveblood.ie.
