DONORS who have given enough blood between them to save more than 3,000 lives have been rewarded for their efforts.

The men and women from Leytonstone, Walthamstow, Woodford Green, Epping, Buckhurst Hill and Chingford joined 55 others from across London at the NHS Blood and Transplant awards at Canary Wharf.

Among them were Peter Chapman from Walthamstow, Margaret Knight from South Woodford, Colin Mann and Peter Matthison, both from Woodford Green and Susan O’Hea from Buckhurst Hill, who have each given blood 100 times.

Lloyd Scott, 50, of Coppice Row in Theydon Bois, who received blood while suffering from leukaemia before going on to raise millions for charities, often while completing gruelling marathons in a deep sea diving suit, thanked the donors.

“It’s incredible how a human body can adapt and the benefit of receiving a donation,” he said. “I have gone on to raise over £5.5 million for a number of charities – the knock-on effect just through saving me has been absolutely immense.

“In terms of human beings and what you have contributed, as it takes such a long period of time, in my opinion, you’re all gold medallists.”

Those who had donated 100 times received a decanter during the awards last week and donors who had given blood 75 times were given a crystal plate.

For more information on becoming a donor, visit blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 2323.

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