A blood donor is celebrating her 75th birthday on the same day as the NHS this week. 

Jill Johnston from Bedford, who is a regular donor at Cambridge donor centre, was born on July 5, 1948, the same day as the NHS. 

The retired accountant said: “We have joked over the years that my dad told the midwife to hold on until after midnight on the 4th!” 

At eight-years-old, Jill was hospitalised for bronchial pneumonia and required an oxygen tent. 

“My parents were very glad to have a National Health Service,” she said. 

“I’m not sure if it is true but I was told the newspaper used to print a list of patients on the ‘danger list’ and my name was on it for a short while. 

 “My blood donor journey started a little later in life when I was in my 30’s and I remember my first donation at the old scout hut in St Neots where I donated for many years.” 

At one appointment, Jill was asked if she would consider switching to platelet donation. 

She gave a blood sample and moved to donate platelets at Cambridge donor centre where she continues to donate to this day. 

After eight years, she made the switch back to whole blood donations. 

Looking back on her donation journey, Jill said: “I’ve seen a lot of changes over the years, most notably the move from beds to chairs and the more thorough cleansing of the arm.  

“The staff have remained excellent, and I have always found giving blood an easy thing to do, with the drinks and biscuits being the best bit too!” 

Between her whole blood and platelet donations, Jill has accumulated over 220 donation credits. Her selfless generosity will have helped to improve and save hundreds of lives across the country. 

Jill said: “I plan to continue to donate for as long as I am able to.” 

NHS England have called for people to register as blood and organ donors as two of the ways to support the NHS in its 75th year.