A British man has reached a significant milestone after donating blood for the 100th time.
Robert Boocock, 61, from York, who possesses B negative blood, represents fewer than 20,000 donors across England with this uncommon blood group.
The health service has experienced a substantial decline in B negative donors over the past 12 months, with approximately 1,000 people no longer giving blood - representing a five per cent reduction in this vital donor pool.
Yorkshire and the Humber region maintains just 1,903 donors with this blood type, prompting urgent appeals for new volunteers.
NHS
|Robert Boocock possesses B negative blood and has donated blood 100 times
The 61-year-old's journey into regular blood donation began four decades ago whilst employed by his uncle, who frequently attended donation sessions.
His curiosity about these visits revealed a compelling family connection - his aunt had experienced surgical complications requiring more than 20 blood units to survive.
Boocock explained: "That got me thinking, that's 20 people that can only donate once every few months. I thought, I've got spare in my body, so why don't I volunteer?"
This realisation at age 21 transformed him into a committed donor, discovering his rare B negative status during initial screening.
His blood proved particularly valuable, being suitable for transfusion to newborn infants.
Babies requiring transfusions can only receive blood free from cytomegalovirus, a common childhood infection that most adults carry.
He said: "Occasionally when I donate, they say this one will be going to the neonatal ward.
"That's quite a nice thought that it's going straight to a little baby perhaps that doesn't know they need it."
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|Boocock started giving blood at age 21
The NHS requires approximately 200,000 fresh donors annually to compensate for those who cease donating.
Three permanent donation facilities operate across Yorkshire in Bradford, Leeds and Sheffield, where the health service urgently seeks new volunteers to address the growing deficit in B negative supplies.
Boocock advocates for blood donation using financial metaphors to illustrate its importance.
He explained: "I liken donating blood to a bank account, basically.
"Unless you put some in, how could you rely on there being some there, when you may need it?"
He dismisses common concerns about the process, describing it as a "no-brainer" and emphasising the minimal discomfort involved.
"Yes, you might feel the needle go in, but when they say it's a scratch, they mean that," he reassured potential donors.
GETTY
|The NHS requires approximately 200,000 fresh donors annually to compensate for those who cease donating (stock pic)
After surpassing his uncle's record of 73 donations seven years ago, Boocock remains committed to continuing his contributions indefinitely.
Daniel Cooper, Assistant Director for Blood Operations at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "We are so grateful to donors like Robert who help ensure that the blood is available when patients and hospitals urgently need it.
"We hope hearing Robert's story inspires others to donate, as his uncle inspired him.
"Like Robert did all those years ago, the NHS needs young people to sign up and donate.
"Young people have a whole lifetime ahead of them to become regular donors and are less likely to be excluded due to health conditions.
"We also urgently need more B negative blood donors to stabilise stocks of this rare blood type.
"If you don't know your blood type, you will find out after donating – and you might be one of just two per cent of people in this rare blood group."