Man gives 130 litres of blood
RADIOKOP – 73-year-old man gives 273 units of blood to date and hopes to donate more units.
Ioannis Theocharous, (73) gave his 273rd unit of blood on 20 October. Originally from Cyprus, he has been giving blood since he was 19 years old. “Giving blood makes me happy,” said Theocharous. The Radiokop resident started giving blood after his friend’s four-month-old baby got sick and needed a blood transfusion.
He was later asked by a doctor if he could donate blood every three months. Theocharous immigrated to South Africa in 1975 and kept on donating blood through the South African National Blood Service (SANBS), going there every three months to do his part in saving lives.
“We are very appreciative of people like Ioannis who help others so willingly,” said William Gallacher of the SANBS. He explained that each unit (or pint) of blood is 480ml. This means that Theocharous has given 131 litres of blood so far.
“I am very blessed that I still have my health, knock on wood, my good health continues,” said Theocharous, who has received two milestone medals for his blood donations.
He also received a certificate from his GP giving him a clean bill of health. Theocharous plans on continuing with his blood donations.
Details: SANBS customerservice@sanbs.org.za or 011 761 9000.
