YOU would think that after donating more than 100 pints of blood, David Williams has given more than his share.

But the 68-year-old, who lives with his wife Diane in Llancloudy, isn’t going to stop there.

He is celebrating after receiving an award from the National Blood Service for the donation of his “centenary pint” - and has already given five more.

The former firefighter first started giving blood when he was 18 and living in Ross-on- Wye, and has done so ever since.

He said: “I used to live near a notoriously bad crossroads where accidents were always happening. It made me want to help in some way so I started giving blood.

“Although I’ve lived in various places over the years I have continued to be a blood donor, and when we saw the statistics and videos about people who have been helped by donations at the awards presentation, it really makes you feel good that your blood has really benefited someone.

”You never know when it can help someone – after a bad accident, during a birth or a routine operation.”

David says he would encourage anyone to do it, as the tiny prick of a needle is a small price to pay for possibly saving a life.

“It isn’t 100 per cent painless as you have to have a needle placed in your arm, but that doesn’t really hurt. Apart from that your arm is slightly numbed by a wipe and it’s fine,” he said.

“Blood donation sessions are easily accessible especially as there are mobile units now, so I’m definitely not going to stop yet.”

To find out when and where to give blood locally, visit blood.co.uk/SessionSearcher.