An overdue word of thanks to people that donate blood and platelets to the Blood Bank. As a person at the receiving end of such good deeds, may I thank you for keeping me alive. That sounds very serious – it is! You see, I have been at the receiving end of the blood and platelet donations for the last five months because my marrow has ceased to reproduce.

For more than 30 years, I too donated blood twice a year when the van visited our town. Little did I know then that similar good deeds by others were to save me at a later stage in my life.

To all those presently donating blood and platelets, may I say thank you. When you are alone, take satisfaction quietly and realise the good you are doing. And to those yet to start, please do so. It is a deed that cannot be measured in normal values.

Mike Hackett,

Shanacoole,

Youghal, Co Cork