A KNUZDEN man has been hailed a lifesaver after being recognised by the NHS for donating his 150th pint of blood.

Neil Stevenson, of Abbott Clough Close, received a special certificate after reaching the milestone in June.

The retired BAE aircraft fitter said he had no plans to stop giving blood any time soon.

Mr Stevenson’s blood Type, A-, is carried by just seven per cent of the UK population, and as a result he has to go to Manchester to make a donation because of its importance.

The 61-year-old said: “It has always been something I have liked to do. I have seen a few bad accidents over the years and I know how important it is.

“I have to go to Manchester because the platelets I have are quite rare. The pain doesn’t bother me.”

Mr Stevenson’s blood has been used to help cancer patients, transplant recipients and new-born babies.

Jon Latham, assistant director of donor services and marketing at NHS Blood and Transplant, praised Mr Stevenson’s contributions. He said: “We are hugely grateful for yout time and generosity.

“You have made an incredible difference to the lives of people all over the country, many of whom would not have survived without your help.”

Mr Stevenson said that although he didn’t have a target in mind, there was a good chance he would reach 200 pints.

He said: “Since I have been identified as having the rare platelets, I can go 15 times a year, so at the minute it’s probably about three-to-four weeks between each go.

“I believe you can give until you’re 70 so there is a while to go yet. I’ll just keep going and see what happens.”

The average adult has about 10 pints of blood in his or her body. Roughly one pint is given during a donation.