Wonder women who have saved 675 lives (From Herald Series)

Wonder women who have saved 675 lives

1:20pm Thursday 11th September 2008

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A trio of blood-giving lifesavers from Faringdon have been honoured for their efforts.

Ann Goodman, 65, has donated 79 times, while Angela Cartwright, 68, and Thelma Hunt, 62, rolled up their sleeves to give 75 lifesaving donations each. Between them, they have saved 675 lives.

The three women were presented with engraved crystal plates by the National Blood Service (NBS) at Faringdon Corn Exchange.

NBS spokesman Gareth Bell said fewer than three per cent of donors reached the milestone.

He said: “Each blood donation these ladies have given will have saved more than one life, which is truly amazing. It is a very impressive feat and I hope they prove an inspiration to others.

“It just goes to show what a big difference one person can make to someone else’s life, and all by simply giving up one hour of your time three times a year.”

Mrs Cartwright, of Fernham Road, began giving blood in the 1950s while working at Hammersmith Hospital, in London. She said: “When you see children suffering with a hole in the heart, for example, you want to do as much as you can. Of course, I wasn’t a surgeon, but felt by giving blood, I was doing what I could to help.”

Mrs Hunt, who works as a school dinner lady at Faringdon Infant School, first gave blood in 1969. She said: “You just have to go and experience it to realise how easy it is. People say to me they are scared of needles, but you don’t feel a thing.”

Mrs Goodman started giving blood in 1961 after seeing a session in Swindon. She said “It’s a small thing you can do to help others.”

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