A MALVERN man has reached a century of blood donations, helping save hundreds of lives across the country.

Joe Webb, who works at the Morgan Motor Company factory in Pickersleigh Road, Malvern, has reached his landmark 100th donation, having given blood for more than 40 years.

Mr Webb was first inspired to give blood after he fell from a roof aged 11.

The accident meant he had to receive two pints of blood following emergency surgery at Worcester Royal Infirmary, and now the 60-year-old is encouraging anyone who can to donate blood.

The wood machinist said: "I promised myself that as soon as I became an adult and could give blood, I would.

"I had been playing on a roof when I slipped and fell through it, splitting my leg open from the knee to the ankle, and fracturing my skull and cheekbone.

"It was only thanks to the blood donations of others that my life was saved.

“I encourage anyone who can to give blood. The staff are always friendly, it doesn’t take long, and you’ll feel great about yourself for helping someone in need.”

Mr Webb, who lives in St John's, Worcester, has been working for Morgan since 2004 and donating blood since he was 18 years old.

It is estimated his blood donations could well have improved or saved the lives of up to 300 people.

Sarah Baldwin, HR Manager for the Morgan Motor Company, said: “Joe has been a loyal employee during his 16 years of service, working in the Wood Shop where he crafts the ash frames which form a core component of our sports cars.

"This momentous achievement is testament to his generous nature, and something we congratulate him for.”

An NHS Blood and Transplant spokesman said: “We’d like to thank Joe for his incredible dedication and commitment.

"He is part of a very special club that saves and improves lives.

"Out of all the people who give blood, just one in 100 will reach 100 donations.

“We always need new donors to replace those people who can no longer donate for reasons such as age, ill health and pregnancy.

"We especially need younger donors, male donors, and black donors. Giving blood is amazing – and you will save lives.”

For more information about how to donate blood, go to https://protect-eu.mimecast.com/s/sDG8CoVBBcjZABWs1k2un