WITH her new husband by her side, Lea McPhail knew she would be able to pluck up the courage to give blood for the first time.
The newlywed had been inspired to take the plunge after seeing how enthusiastic her new family members were about donating back in the late 1970s.
And yesterday (Wednesday) her own dedication was recognised when she received an award from the NHS Blood and Transport for donating blood a total of 75 times.
"I was a little nervous to begin with because I really don't like injections," said the 57-year-old.
"My husband is the youngest of six siblings and a good number of them were blood donors and it was really because they were going a lot that I decided to go too.
"I also thought you never know when you might need it yourself."
She added: "It's not at all like an injection and it doesn't hurt at all. It's a very small scratch when they put the needle in but there's not even any discomfort really."
The McPhails have lived in Box Hill for the last 13 years and both are regular donors.
"We always go down together," Mrs McPhail continued. "My husband feels the same way about it as I do.
"He has donated 60-something times himself so he's catching me up. He used to work away a lot so sometimes he would miss sessions, otherwise we would be on the same amount."
The Box Hill resident received her award at a special ceremony in Croydon yesterday, alongside other donors who have reached their own milestones.
"It's surprising really how many people reach this amount and beyond," she said.
"I would always tell anyone to give it a try. There's no pain and it's really quite straightforward. From a selfish point of view as well, it's a good regular health check."
Mrs McPhail's achievement comes after almost 200 Mole Valley residents answered the call to become blood donors as part of a national campaign to increase blood stocks.
The NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) service's bid to recruit 100,000 new donors in 100 days was hailed a great success after its Valentine's Day target was smashed two weeks early.
A total of 119,907 people from across England and North Wales came forward to support the campaign, which was launched following a dramatic decline in the number of younger donors signing up in 2012.
A total of 2,406 people from Surrey – of whom 183 live in Mole Valley – were among those who signed up to help ensure future blood stocks are protected.
Anyone aged between 17 and 65, weighing more than 50kg (7st 12lbs) and in general good health could potentially start saving lives by becoming a blood donor.
There is no upper age limit for donors who have donated in the last two years.
To find out if you are eligible, visit www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.
