Birr man one of three to make 500th blood platelet donation on same day

Birr man John O’Halloran today (Monday) became one of three to reach a milestone 500th blood platelet donation on the same day.

The IBTS celebrated the first time three platelet donors reached their 500th donation on the same day, as John joined Paul Dunphy from Portmarnock, and Marcus Hand from Lucan, Co Dublin as they all reached their donation milestone.

“The IBTS is delighted to mark such a special occasion today with 3 committed platelet donors. John, Marcus and Paul have between them donated 1500 platelet donations which is quite an achievement. We are grateful to them and to all of our donors for their commitment to the wellbeing of patients,” said Dr Andy Godfrey, IBTS Medical & Scientific Director.

“We urgently need more blood and platelet donors to support healthcare in Ireland. Platelets are essential for the survival of patients who have bone marrow and blood disorders, those undergoing cancer treatment, patients undergoing surgery and those with burns, and critically ill newborn babies.

"There are no alternative treatments for these patients, so without our committed platelet donors, we would be unable to help these patients in need.

“Platelets last just 7 days after donation, so it is critical that we have a constant supply. Our panel of platelet donors sits at just over 2,000 donors, and these individuals provide platelets for every patient in Ireland who needs them.

"Not everyone who is a blood donor is able to be a platelet donor and we are always looking for more donors to meet this critical demand. I would encourage anyone who is thinking of their new year’s resolutions options to consider becoming a blood or platelet donor.

"Only 3% of our eligible population are blood donors, but around a quarter of us will need a blood transfusion at some point. Every donation saves lives and is an incredible gift to give.”