An 83-year-old Llanelli resident has been honoured by the Welsh Blood Service after making 161 blood donations over 62 years, potentially helping to save the lives of nearly 1,000 babies.
Brian Edwards is one of Wales’ longest-serving blood donors. His blood is suitable for use in neonatal care, meaning his donations could be given to babies receiving specialist treatment.
“I can’t put into words how it feels to have helped that many babies,” Brian said.
“I always wanted to help people in some way, and when the blood service came to my workplace, that was the start of it all.”
Brian made his first donation in 1964 while working at an oil refinery in Llandarcy, Neath.
He said: “A friend was going to donate and asked whether I wanted to go with him. It was so simple. After that first donation, I made a pledge that I would continue for the rest of my life if I could.”
Brian made his 161st and final donation in February 2026. Although he is no longer able to donate, he is encouraging others to continue what he started.
“I’m incredibly proud to have spent so much of my life helping other people,” he said. “I’m sad that I can no longer donate, but I hope others will take my place because there are patients who desperately need people to come forward and donate blood.”
Peter Richardson, Deputy Director at the Welsh Blood Service, presented Brian with his award. He said: “Brian’s commitment to helping others through blood donation is truly remarkable. Over more than six decades, he has quietly made an extraordinary contribution to patient care across Wales.
“Donors giving blood do not only help patients; it gives families more precious time with the people they love. Brian’s donations may have supported the care of nearly 1,000 babies, which is an incredible legacy.”
Brian was just one of more than 50 donors being celebrated on the night for reaching milestones in whole blood or platelet donation, and for making a stem cell donation. Collectively, those donors have made nearly 3,500 donations, meaning they may have saved more than 10,000 lives across the country.
The Welsh Blood Service needs to collect around 350 blood donations every day to meet demand from hospitals across Wales.
Peter added: “We have a fantastic community of loyal donors, but we always need more people to come forward. Blood donations support cancer treatment, emergency and trauma care, and specialist treatment for mothers and babies.
“Brian’s story shows the extraordinary difference one donor can make. We would encourage anyone who is eligible to consider booking an appointment and beginning their own donation journey.”
Every single donation makes a difference. To check your eligibility or book an appointment, visit welshblood.org.uk or call 0800 252 266.
