A blood donor who has given for almost six decades was among a group of Powys people honoured for potentially saving more than 11,000 lives.

A special Welsh Blood Service ceremony held recently in Llandrindod Wells saw 57 donors from across Powys recognised for their donation milestones across both whole blood and platelet donation.

Together, those receiving awards have made more than 4,136 donations.

Among those recognised were three donors who received Special Recognition Awards for their exceptional commitment to donation.

John Ballantine received the award after making 141 donations throughout nearly six decades of donating.

His donations have potentially helped save or improve the lives of more than 420 patients, providing vital blood supplies for people undergoing surgery, cancer treatment, emergency care and other lifesaving medical procedures.

Discussing his award, John said: "When I first donated, it was out of interest in the process. After that, it wasn’t difficult to continue donating, knowing that it was essential to enable NHS procedures to fully function.

"I am grateful to be recognised with this award. I feel sure that many more people would donate if they were aware of just how important it is and the difference it can make to patients and families."

Also recognised was Richard Jones, who has made 162 donations. In addition to donating whole blood, Richard gave platelets between 2008 and 2013. Platelets are a vital blood component used to treat patients with cancer and blood disorders, as well as those undergoing major surgery.

Reflecting on his donation journey, Richard said: "It's such a gift to be able to donate. It only takes around an hour, but that donation could be invaluable to a patient who might be a family member, a friend, or someone you've never met who really needs help.

"As a further education college brickwork lecturer, I also hope I can inspire my students to consider becoming blood donors when they turn 17. It's a simple act of kindness that can have a lasting impact, and I'd encourage anyone who can donate to give it a try."

Eleri Schiavone, Head of Blood Donation Services at the Welsh Blood Service, said: “Donating is one of the most selfless things a person can do. Donors give up just an hour of their time to help complete strangers they will never meet, often at the moment those patients need help most. That is what makes them heroes in our eyes.

"Every donation has the potential to make a real difference. We need around 350 donations every day to meet demand across the hospitals we supply in Wales.

"We have a fantastic community of loyal donors, but there is always a need for more people to come forward. Donations are vital for cancer patients, people involved in major trauma incidents, and mothers and babies who need specialist care during childbirth."

The Welsh Blood Service is encouraging people from all backgrounds to consider becoming donors.

To find out more, visit welshblood.org.uk or call 0800 252 266.