We are very proud to congratulate Pete Lock, our Service Operations Manager at Alpine, who has donated platelets more than 300 times, and we are encouraging other people to follow his example.
Pete started donating blood around 10 years ago, however, after sadly suffering the loss of loved ones to cancer, he wanted to do more.
He looked into Platelets, the part of your blood that helps your body recover during illnesses like cancer, and, after undergoing tests to see if he produced enough to donate, he has been giving platelets every 2 weeks ever since.
The platelets donated by Pete are tiny cells in the blood that form clots and stop bleeding. For patients, they are essential to surviving and fighting cancer, chronic diseases, and traumatic injuries. Every 15 seconds someone needs platelets – and they must be used within five days and new donors are needed every day. That’s why we encourage you to join people like Pete and donate.
Pete commented:
“Sadly, I know from experience how cancer can touch so many lives. It’s frustrating to see loved ones affected by cancer and not be able to help, but I hope donating platelets and raising awareness is a way of making things easier”
A couple of years ago due to his commitment, Pete was asked to be the new face of the NHS blood platelet campaign, showing what’s involved and how easy the process is in a bid to encourage others into giving platelets.
“It’s a great feeling to know you may have helped save someone’s life. During my last donation, I hit the milestone of 300 pints of my golden blood, something I am really proud of!”
Recent NHS statistics report that one platelet donation can save or improve the lives of up to 12 children with cancer and 69% of all platelet donations are used for both children and adults with cancer.
These stats alone show how your platelet donations would make a huge difference!
To find out more information on donating and booking your appointment at one of the 23 donor centres in the UK, please visit:
https://platelets.blood.co.uk/donating-platelets/
Congratulations again Pete, you are a superhero!
