FOUR people who have totted up 325 blood donations between them have been recognised at a special awards ceremony.

All from St Helens, Gillian Bentley, John Kenny and Peter Johnson were presented with a commemorative crystal plate for making 75 donations each.

Norman Roughley, 67, took home a crystal decanter for making 100 donations, a rare milestone which is reached by just one per cent of all donors.

Mr Kenny, 63, who has been giving blood for 45 years said the process is “easy and painless”, while career service manager Mr Johnson, 56, has been donating blood since 1973 and admitted he was first attracted by the promise of “putting my feet up for half an hour with free food and drink”.

He explained why he is still motivated to give blood: “It’s due to the knowledge that if my wife, daughter or other family member requires blood, volunteers like me are essential.

“Relax and enjoy 30 minutes or so in the company of nice, caring professionals, knowing that you have done something for family, friends and the community.”

All four were presented with their awards at the Marriott Hotel in Liverpool by Paul Rice, who is benefitting from blood donations.

Paul, who works as the chief executive of Liverpool’s Commercial District was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer called myelodysplasia last year after a routine trip to the opticians. Since then, he has received countless blood and platelet transfusions, along with a bone marrow transplant earlier this year.

Each blood donation can potentially save the lives of up to three people.