Man marks 400th blood donation

• Published date: 26 January 2023
• Publication title: Star, The

Roger Leslie celebrated his 400th blood donation this week at the New Zealand Blood Service Crawford St donation centre

His parents were regular blood donors, so when he turned 16 he decided he wanted to give blood too.

‘‘It gives me a good feeling, I like it.’’

He was keenly aware of the importance of donating blood.

His three youngest children experienced hemolytic disease of the newborn.

This is a condition where a mother’s immune system will make antibodies that break down a baby’s red blood cells.

It can happen when a Rh-negative mother has a baby with an Rh-positive father.

The condition required his children to have full blood transfusions after birth.

‘‘The New Zealand Blood Service probably saved the lives of the last three.’’

He was grateful to people who donated blood.

‘‘People who donated blood ... saved the life of my children.’’

He encouraged others to consider donating blood, and said it was a good feeling knowing you were helping others.

‘‘A moment or two of discomfort compared to all the good you are doing is pretty small potatoes.’’

New Zealand Blood Service national manager of marketing and communications Asuka Burge congratulated Mr Leslie on reaching 400 donations.

‘‘The truth is we would...