OF course, I knew my blood was unsuitable. What then, was I doing presenting myself as a volunteer blood donor and declaring that I had suffered from both malaria and jaundice?
Clearly the staff of the visiting blood transfusion team was perplexed, because I was wearing the uniform and insignia of a chief petty officer medical assistant.
In rejecting my offer it was tactfully hinted that I, of all people, should have known better. It was rather embarrassing.
I was taking a course at HMS Royal Arthur, the Royal Navy's leadership school. As Course President it became my duty to appeal for volunteer blood donors among my charges and I have no doubt results were being monitored. I made my appeal then ensured everyone saw me put my own name down first on the list.
There was a 100 per cent response. I wonder what the response might have been if I had made excuses and failed to set an example?
JOHN HINTON,
Worcester.
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