A HUSBAND and wife blood donor duo from Lostock Green have been recognised for rolling up their sleeves to help save lives.

Robert and Shirley Almquist were honoured at an awards event held earlier this month by NHS Blood and Transplant after they both reached their 75th donation.

The couple, who have each been giving blood for 40 years, were two of 42 donors from across the north west who received crystal awards at the event, which took place at the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel in Chester.

Shirley, aged 57, hopes to encourage others to follow in their footsteps.

She said: “Give an hour of your day to donate blood. It costs you nothing but could mean so much to someone else.”

Robert, aged 64, added: “It’s a way of helping other people and may save a life.”

Each blood donor has potentially saved the lives of up to three people with each donation they have made, meaning the 42 donors may have helped to save or improve the lives of 9,975 people.

Barbara Blanche, lead donor relations manager at NHS Blood and Transplant, said:  “We would like to thank these donors for their commitment and dedication.

“They are an inspiration to us all and we hope that others will follow in their footsteps to save and improve the lives of many people.”

Anyone aged between 17 and 65, weighing more than 50kg (seven stone 12lbs) and in general good health could potentially start saving lives by becoming a blood donor.

There is no upper age limit for donors who have donated in the last two years.

For more information, or to book an appointment, visit blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.