Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) Peter Morritt recently completed his 100th blood donation, 21 years after his first.
This one was for Team Army in the 14th Defence Blood Challenge.
WO1 Morritt first donated blood after supporting his wife, Joanne, at her first donation.
“Donating blood or plasma or platelets is lifesaving, they can’t be mass produced anywhere other than our own bodies,” WO1 Morritt said.
Despite many postings, operations and exercises, WO1 Morritt persevered with donations, while convincing others to also donate.
“I certainly try to get personnel to come along. Last year, while we were on exercise up in Rockhampton, we got one of the international exchange officers in to donate as well,” he said.
Recently, his motivation to donate came close to home after a good mate was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer.
“He has had surgery and is recovering well but my new blood donation slogan is ‘Give for Gary’. Platelets can be donated every two weeks and are mainly used for cancer patients,” he said.
The Defence Blood Challenge runs until December 8.
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