A SERIAL blood donor has been given a special award for donating more than 500 pints of the red stuff — around 50 times the amount of blood an average person has in the body. John Finch, 48, pictured, has been donating blood for 30 years and donates at le

A SERIAL blood donor has been given a special award for donating more than 500 pints of the red stuff - around 50 times the amount of blood an average person has in the body.

John Finch, 48, pictured, has been donating blood for 30 years and donates at least once a month, often more.

Mr Finch, of Sweetings Road, Godmanchester, said: "It all started when I saw an advert on TV. I began donating and found there was nothing to it and it was a very worthwhile experience."

Donated blood is used in transfusions to help those involved in trauma, people undergoing operations and people with diseases such as haemophilia.

Mr Finch was presented with a special glass decanter by the National Blood Service for his commitment to helping others.

As well as donating blood, Mr Finch has also given more than 400 units of platelets, a product of blood used to treat cancer and leukaemia patients.

Gareth Bell, from the National Blood Service, said: "Platelets have a shelf life of just five days which is why donors like John play an incredibly important role, because one donation can provide three adult doses or 12 infant doses."

INFORMATION: If you are aged 17-59 and weigh more than 7st 12lb you may be able to become a blood donor. To find out more, call the National Blood Service on 08457 711 711.