Rex's impressive donation milestone

Updated: 10 Apr 2024

Nene and Welland member, Rex Heaford, has donated blood for the 150th time!

Rex Heaford has been donating his blood for over half a century

A wonderful achievement

The 84-year-old from Peterborough has been donating his blood for 57 years and hit the incredible milestone earlier this month.

He was first attracted to the idea by the offer of refreshments, which he still likes to take advantage of to this day.

“There were free biscuits and a glass of squash,” he said, “not to mention the chance to skive off work for an hour.”

He added: “I have donated at 10 different locations within the Peterborough postal area.”

Recognition for his efforts

Rex has been recognised at other significant landmarks during his time as a blood donor.

He gained his Bronze badge in 1966 after 10 donation sessions, Silver in 1973 after 25 sessions, Gold in 1987 after 50 sessions, and Diamond in 2006 after 100 sessions.

He and his partner, Pauline, were also treated to a meal after his 75th donation, and were presented with a cut glass decanter and a meal after his 100th.

At an average of three donations a year, Rex is still donating today and hopes to continue “as long as I am still fit and healthy”. Even Covid lockdowns did not deter him.

Rex has proudly kept all his certificates, which he loves showing to anyone who is interested, particularly at his local Nene and Welland Oddfellows Branch of the Oddfellows, where he has been a member for nearly 20 years.

A typical Oddfellow

Nene and Welland Oddfellows Branch Secretary, Karen Earth, said: “Rex is a great person to have around and, given his generosity, I’m not surprised that he’s achieved this impressive milestone.

“He is the perfect example of the type of person that we have here at our Oddfellows friendship group – kind, welcoming, and fun-loving.

“We host a range regular activities that our members love and we’re always open to welcoming new faces.”

People interested in finding out more about the Nene and Welland Oddfellows can email karen.earth@oddfellows.co.uk or call her on 01778 342 006.

To find the Oddfellows Branch closest to you, visit our Branch Finder where you'll find all the relevant contact details and information about upcoming events.

To find out more about how the Oddfellows, its branches and its members give back to the community, visit our giving back section.