A RETIRED primary school teacher has been awarded for her outstanding lifesaving support to the National Blood Service (NBS). Having given 100 blood donations, Elizabeth Wood from WGC was presented with a crystal decanter at a ceremony for blood donors

A RETIRED primary school teacher has been awarded for her outstanding lifesaving support to the National Blood Service (NBS).

Having given 100 blood donations, Elizabeth Wood from WGC was presented with a crystal decanter at a ceremony for blood donors across the south-east.

Held at New Connaught Rooms in Great Queen Street, London, the NBS awards dinner honoured Elizabeth and 122 others who have helped changed people's lives by donating over 75 times.

Mrs Wood, of Handside Lane, told the WHT she was honoured to have been awarded.

The 62-year-old, who attended the event with husband Geoffrey, 59, said: "It was a very nice occasion and we were all made to feel very welcome."

Giving blood since the age of 18, Mrs Wood said more people should donate.

"It's very easy to do and it doesn't hurt," she said.

Now working as a volunteer for Isabel Hospice, Mrs Wood added: "I wish more people would do it.

"You have nothing to lose and one day you may need to be given blood."

Guest speaker at the event, Julie Henderson, told how blood donors had saved her life after she underwent an emergency Caesarean in 2006 that led to a vast loss of blood.

The mum of Megan, two, thanked everyone who had given blood on behalf of all patients who had needed transfusions.

Zeeshan Asghar, for the NBS, said: "We are proud to reward these incredible people, these silent heroes, who have rolled up their sleeves so many times over the years to help save lives.

"The donors honoured at the awards have given over 8,600 pints of blood, that's over 1,000 gallons - a truly remarkable achievement.

"We hope more people will follow their example."

* For more information on giving blood contact the NBS donor helpline on 0300 123 2323 or visit www.blood.co.uk