WINGHAM High School's learning support teacher Helen Cross is inviting Wingham folk to roll up their sleeves and join her in doing something extraordinary.
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"I can't run a mile in nine seconds but I can give blood," she acknowledges.
Helen has just received an award for making her 100th donation with the Australian Red Cross Blood Service.
At a special service at Club Taree on July 30, donors were officially thanked for their efforts. There were recipients of certificates from 50 donations to 250.
With just three people in 100 donating blood locally, Helen said new donors are urgently needed.
According to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service the majority of donated blood goes to people with cancer, as well as people who have suffered traumatic accidents, burns or those undergoing surgery.
Helen has been donating since she was 18, although since 2010 has only donated her plazma. This is something she can do more regularly than whole blood donating and Helen makes a fortnightly trip to the Taree Donation Centre to roll up her sleeves.
While she acknowledges that donating is not for everyone, Helen said there are many more people who could donate who haven't quite taken the plunge yet. "Even donating just once a year will make a big difference to local blood supplies," she said.
"This is something that anyone can do."
Helen said it makes her feel good knowing her plazma can be used in a number of different ways.
Plasma contains important proteins, nutrients and clotting factors which help to prevent and stop bleeding. It is the most versatile component of a persons blood and donated plasma makes up to 18 life-saving products that help patients with trauma, burns and blood diseases.
Taree Donation Centre is located at Shop 1, 6 Macquarie Street. Simply call 13 14 95 to book an appointment. Further information about who can donate blood and how to go about it, go to www.donateblood.com.au.