Tallaght firefighter racks up 300th blood platelets donation
A Tallaght-based firefighter/paramedic has completed his 300th donation of platelets to the Irish Blood Transfusion Service.
Vincent Donegan has been donating platelets, which are in urgent need to help with the treatment of many serious illnesses, for several years.
His remarkable milestone was marked by Giveblood.ie and the news was shared by Dublin Fire Brigade online.
According to the Irish Blood and Transfusion Board, “Platelets are small cells present in the blood of all healthy people.
“They are essential to enable blood to clot properly. Patients who do not have enough platelets in their blood are at risk of spontaneous bleeding.
“Platelets have a shelf-life of just 5-7 days after donation, so it is important to maintain a constant supply.”
Over 20,000 platelet transfusions are needed every year in Ireland, and this number is continuing to rise.
Most of these platelets go to patients with serious medical conditions such as cancer or leukaemia, especially those receiving chemotherapy or after a bone marrow transplant.
You can register your interest in becoming a donor HERE.
