Phillip rolls up his sleeves for 65th on his 65th - The Evesham Observer

Phillip rolls up his sleeves for 65th on his 65th

Evesham Editorial 13th Sep, 2015 Updated: 20th Oct, 2016   0

A CARING Evesham blood donor donated his 65th unit of blood just days ahead of his 65th birthday during a session at The De Montfort School.

Phillip Osborne had always wanted to be a donor since he was a child and he has been giving blood for 35 years.

He was encouraged to donate by colleagues when a mobile unit visited his work place.

With each blood donation potentially saving or improving three lives, Phillip has potentially helped 195 people since that first donation 35 years ago.




While donating his 65th unit Phillip met Ruby Edwards, a donor from Pershore whose son suffers from five platelet function disorders and Thrombocytopenia, a deficiency of platelets in the blood that causes bleeding into the tissue, bruising and slow clotting.

“My son, Noah was only one when I found out that he was diagnosed with ‘funny blood’ or Platelet Function Disorder (PFD) and Thrombocytopenia, both of which are rare bleeding disorders,” Ruby said.


“Since then he has been diagnosed with five complex PFDs making him rather unique indeed.

“In 2012, Noah had an accident, one of many, but this time it was more serious and he was very poorly.

“Not to be dramatic, but his life was saved by the team at Birmingham Children’s Hospital and platelet transfusions.”

As a result, Phillip has now set himself a target of 100 blood donations and plans to give blood for as long as he is able to.

“Giving blood is easy, the staff are lovely and friendly and you are really helping to save lives,” he said.

“After meeting Ruby and her family I can understand just how important blood donations are. You do not know who your blood is helping, but every day someone, somewhere needs your help so I would encourage everyone who can to give blood.”

Anyone who wishes to register as a donor, find out about local sessions or book an appointment can visit www.blood.co.uk for more information.

Alternatively, the NHSGiveBlood app can be downloaded for Android, Windows or Apple devices.

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