Richard and Beverly House give blood last week. The couple have donated more than 440 litres of blood, saving 2799 lives, over the past 41 years.
Camera IconRichard and Beverly House give blood last week. The couple have donated more than 440 litres of blood, saving 2799 lives, over the past 41 years. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Bedfordale couple to roll up sleeves for National Blood Donor Week and add to 440 litres already donated

Tim SlaterComment News

EMBARGOED ‘TIL JUNE 12

A BEDFORDALE couple who have donated more than 440 litres of blood and helped save 2799 lives are calling on more people to roll up their sleeves during National Blood Donor Week, which started yesterday.

Beverly and Richard House have donated 456 and 477 times respectively over the past 40 years.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

However, more people are needed to meet demand, according to Red Cross WA regional communications manager Jessica Willet.

“There is no substitute for donated blood and across Perth we need 2500 donations every week to meet patient demand,” she said.

“An estimated nine million Australians are eligible to give blood but only 500,000 actively do so and we’re asking the remaining 8.5 million to pitch in and help their local community.

“To ensure blood is there when you or a loved one needs it, we need more people to sign-up as blood donors.”

Mrs House said she donated blood to help people.

“It’s rewarding to know that you are helping other people in need of blood and the blood products,” she said.

“One time I was house bound and the blood bank sent out a taxi to pick me up so that I could give a donation for a small child.”

Mrs House said there was always a need for more people to donate, particularly during the winter months when volunteer numbers dwindle if people get sick.

Mr House started donating when he was just 17 and encouraged Mrs House to start giving blood.

“Mum used to give blood and that’s how I got involved to help other people,” he said.

Mr House has O negative blood, which is the most common type and is often used to help young children undergoing cancer treatments.

The couple go to the blood bank once a fortnight and donate plasma and platelets.

They are among 430 Perth blood donors who have together given 57,150 blood donations.

As every donation helps save three lives, this year’s 430 milestone donors have collectively helped more than 171,000 people to date.

Ms Willet said the donors who had reached a milestone blood donation of between 50 and 500 in the past 12 months would be acknowledged at a Red Cross awards ceremony at His Majesty’s Theatre.

“Blood donation is a proud Australian tradition that has been going strong for 87 years and is continued by these generous individuals year on year,” she said.

Become a blood donor and save lives. Call 13 14 95 or click here.