Paul's story

In 1982 at the age of 18 years, I was encouraged and invited by a work college to join her in donating blood at the Timaru Hospital Blood Bank. I was aware of blood donors and how they assisted other members of the public by saving lives, but to be honest I was rather scared and concerned about giving away my blood..!! It was the fear of the unknown and 'would it hurt'.. But upon attending, the staff made me feel very at ease and answered all my concerns - soon I was hooked and became a regular donor knowing that I was doing something worthy in helping others who needed precious life saving blood..
I also had no previous knowledge that my blood group was relatively rare (think something like 10% of the population) - this in itself made me feel a little bit 'extra' special, but having been called in 'specially' over the years on several occasions to make a donation due to a shortage of my blood group has reinforced the fact that I am helping others..
Some 64 donations down now, I am committed to continue helping others for as long as I am able, because at the end of the day, I don't know myself when I will need someone to help me..