BEN Bruechle knows first-hand how important blood donation is.
The Glendalough resident was born with a blood disorder and needed two complete blood transfusions as a baby.
On the urging of his mother, Mr Bruechle became a blood donor after he turned 18 and has now notched up more than 350 donations.
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READ NOW“It’s my community thing,” he said.
“I’m trying to help others who can’t help themselves.”
He donates plasma every two weeks, fitting donation appointments into his work schedule, and encouraged others to support the Australian Red Cross Blood Service.
“It’s not as hard as you might think,” he said.
Mr Bruechle was one of 800 Perth blood donors recently recognised during National Blood Donor Week.
Spokewoman Jessica Willet said Perth donors had provided more than 56,400 litres of blood in the past year, helping to save the lives of about 360,000 Australians.
“With donated blood only lasting 42 days we need a constant supply of blood donations, which means we need more people to donate blood more often,” she said.
“It takes just an hour of your time to donate blood and become a bloody legend, and every donation helps save three lives.”
To donate, call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au.