Story supplied by Lifeblood

This week, Ipswich resident Cath Stanbrook reached a milestone of 100 blood donations - having helped save the lives of up to 300 Australian patients along the way.

With over 23 years’ experience as a social worker with West Moreton Health – Ipswich Hospital, helping people is definitely in her veins.

In her teens and early 20s, Cath had a strong fear of needles, but after giving birth to her first child, she decided that if she could go through childbirth, she could do anything, including giving blood donation a try.

“I gave my first blood donation over 30 years ago in Townsville.  What I thought it’d be like, and the actual experience, were nothing alike.  It was so easy – the staff really helped put my mind at ease, and it felt wonderful knowing my blood donation would directly help three or more patients,” Cath said.

“As a senior social worker, I work closely with expectant mothers and their newborns every day.  I know first-hand the lifesaving difference a blood transfusion can make when it’s needed.

“I started giving plasma several years ago when it was explained to me the versatility of the product.  It’s now become part of my fortnightly routine and I feel so at home when I visit the team at Ipswich Donor Centre.

“I’m highly motivated to help patients when they’re at their most vulnerable, whether it’s through my work or as a plasma donor – it gives me an enormous amount of personal satisfaction,” concluded Cath.

Lifeblood spokesperson Sandee Thompson said, “Every week Lifeblood needs 33,000 blood donations around the nation to meet patients’ needs.  And in Ipswich, we need 350 people to donate blood and plasma every week to meet demand.”

1 in 3 Australians will need blood or plasma products in their lifetime, and yet just 1 in 30 people donate.  Blood and plasma donations help save the lives of cancer patients, trauma victims, people on dialysis, unborn babies and much more.

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