A CREDITON woman has given blood for the 100th time.

Yvonne Youles made her first donation 50 years ago on May 8, 1975 in London.

“I started donating when I worked for NatWest in Threadneedle Street,” she said.

“There was a blood centre close by on London Wall and the office workers all around were encouraged by their employers to 'do their bit' and become donors.”

Mrs Youles discovered her blood type was O+, which is always in high demand as most people can receive it.

“In those days women could only give every six months, with the men giving every four,” she added.

“It's now 16 weeks for everyone.”

Mrs Youles moved to Crediton in 1976 soon after she was married, and transferred to work at the University of Exeter’s NatWest branch.

"Because the uni ran a similar scheme, I was able to give blood there a couple of times a year, whilst working.

“Lots has changed over the years – we now have to drink a litre of water before donating and also do exercises whilst we're giving blood.

“The drinks process has changed the most and since Covid there are no hot drinks and no individual biscuits. However, the range of snacks is great, with crisps, cheesy biscuits, chocolate biscuits and more.

“My 100th donation was almost 50 years to the day from my first and is something I'm immensely proud of and at the same time, humbled by as I'm aware I can help save a life.

“The Blood and Transplant Service now informs donors where their blood goes, which makes me feel I'm doing some good.

“If you're not a donor, please think about becoming one, it's just three hours out of your year and it's nice to give something back.”