Bloody legends! Australia’s top donors reach mega milestone

Two Melbourne men have cemented their names (and veins) among the most prolific blood and plasma donors in Australian history at Lifeblood’s Bundoora Donor Centre.

Paul Jenkins from Melton and Murray Burns from Templestowe have surpassed 900 donations, a feat that has been more than 50 years in the making and has only been achieved by two other people.

Lifeblood spokesperson Emily Granland said the humble pair diligently make life-saving plasma donations every two weeks.

“Donating plasma is simply part of the routine for Paul and Murray, but their impact on patients who rely on blood products to survive and thrive is phenomenal,” Emily said.

“When you consider each donation saves up to three lives, they have saved as many as 2,700 lives each, not to mention the hope they have provided to the families of those patients.  They truly are bloody legends!”

Paul is the nation’s top active donor and donated for the 901st time on Friday (August 8) alongside Murray who reached his 900th donation milestone. The record holder for donations is James Harrison, affectionately known as the man with the golden arm, who sadly passed away earlier this year. James made 1173 donations before retiring.

73-year-old Paul first rolled up a sleeve to donate as a 19-year-old when a mobile donor van visited the Footscray factory where he worked. He has donated ever since and said he intends to keep going for as long as he can.

“I am only just getting started!” Paul joked.

“I enjoy donating plasma, which is the powerful yellow liquid part of blood. It’s a good thing to do, especially since demand is at an all-time high. I like knowing it makes a difference and all it costs me is time.”

An appointment for a plasma donation takes around 90 minutes. All up, Paul and Murray have spent almost 56 full days of their lives in a Donor Centre!

While it is not possible for everyone to reach the same milestone as Paul and Murray, every donation counts. Blood, plasma and platelet donations are vital for people having cancer treatment, people in surgery, people with blood or immune disorders, women giving birth and many more.

Murray, who started donating at university, is proud of the contribution he has made so far and hopes to reach 1000 donations.

“It is a privilege to be able to help people, and it is a highlight to regularly see the friendly team at my local donor centre,” he said.

“I also appreciate the mini health check at each donation in which my blood pressure and iron levels are tested.”

Emily Granland encouraged the community to follow Paul and Murray’s inspirational lead, noting you do not have to start donating young.

“Older donors are valuable contributors to the Australian blood supply,” she said.

“Lifeblood data shows they are the most reliable cohort because they often have more time on their hands and are more likely to have a personal connection to someone who has needed blood products.

“If people have donated once before turning 75 years old and continue to meet eligibility criteria, they can keep donating. There are 1,700 donors over the age of 80 in Australia and the oldest donor is 93.”

To book a donation call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Donate Blood app.