Number 64 - My First for Life. Davos Bloody Donors

Donating blood has been on my Big List for a long time and I've given it many attempts but for various reasons (my rebellious belly piercing, my more rebellious tattoo, travelling to 'risky' countries and not just having enough of the stuff),  I've been a Blood Donor Reject. Unwanted. I was a bloody loser.


My brother's best friend is just like another brother to me and has been since I was five. His wife Edwina is like a sister. Following the diagnosis of Dwee's very dear dad  'Davo' 12 months ago, Davo’s Bloody Donors was founded and I knew that I had to step up and stop being a Bloody Loser. I was going to be a Bloody Winner.

Davo was diagnosed with a blood disease, Myelodysplastic Syndrome ("MDS")
Following Davo’s diagnosis, the family decided that rather than feeling sorry for themselves, they needed to channel their energy by doing something positive – to start a team through The Australian Red Cross Blood Service, honouring Davo and his fight against this awful disease; by educating their friends and family on the importance of donating blood. They are so proud to report that they have started running group donation days – ranging from 25 to 40 donors every three months, not to mention the many others who have been donating throughout the course of the year.
At some point, Davo will have to rely on the generosity of blood donations to keep him alive (through blood transfusions which will become more frequent).
Blood donations also go a long way to help so many others in need; premature babies, road accident victims, burns patients, cancers and other blood diseases.


To be honest I was fairly nervous about the process being not all the keen on needles or frankly blood. My previous experiences giving blood for medical tests has been fairly unsuccessful often spattered with remarks such as "You're a tricky one aren't you?", "Might need to try the other arm?" or "That one might bruise". I can't say i was excited. I really needn't have worried!


Greeted by a friendly receptionist who gave me lollies (I may have already be sold by this point!), I was then taken into a room by a second jolly lady to make sure I was eligible. After weighing and measuring me (something they do only for those of us vertically challenged!), a prick test and questionnaire I was all set to go.

The team in the collection room then got me all set up with my TV, cracking jokes and generally making sure I didn't freak out or pass out! Before I could update my facebook, it was all over and I was in the cafeteria being offered a milkshake, crackers and cheese and a girly mag.

Feeling good, while giving life

I left feeling so great, with a small sense of achievement.


Currently in Australia, 1 in 3 Aussies will require blood at some point, yet just 1 in 30 actually donates…so please roll up your sleeve, and donate! You never know if you, or maybe your Dad is going to need it one day!