WHEN 19-year-old Gareth Griffiths saw how his mother benefitted from a blood transfusion he decided he wanted to help others in the same situation.

Now, 38 years later, he has reached an important milestone by making his100th donation of blood - and he has no intention of stopping.

"My Mum, Megan, was a nurse at Llandudno Hospital, and when I was 18 or 19 she had an operation and needed several pints of blood," he said.

"I thought I should start donating, and I've been doing it ever since," said Gareth, now 57, who lives in Llys Owen, Gronant.

He himself has never needed a blood transfusion but he is happy with the thought that he has helped countless other patients in urgent need.

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He never misses an opportunity to urge friends and relatives to donate and is proud to have recruited several donors over the years.

"I think everyone should give unless there are good reasons why not, and donating gives one a good feeling," said the father-of-two, who works at the Co-op store in St Asaph.

Before he set off for his 100th donor session at Prestatyn's Festival Church colleagues stacked up milk bottles equivalent to the amount of blood he has given, and were amazed at the volume.

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Alan Prosser, Director of the Welsh Blood Service, said: "Giving blood is a unique opportunity to really make a difference and give back to your community.

"Just one donation can actually help up to three patients, which is why it's important we recognize and give thanks to donors such as Gareth who have been so committed to saving lives.

"Blood transfusions are vital in supporting patients in need across the country from emergency situations such as serious accidents and childbirth complications to supporting cancer patients during their chemotherapy treatment.

"To help meet demand from hospitals we need to collect around 350 donations every single day.

"For Gareth to have reached his 100th donation milestone is remarkable and something only a very small percentage of people ever achieve."

Anyone considering donating can make an appointment by contacting welshblood.org.uk or calling 0800 252 266.