Between them they have saved the equivalent 900 lives. And now, three dedicated blood donors from our area have received recognition for giving blood 100 times and making a difference to people who need it most.

David Butcher, Michael Flowerday and Brenda Thompson were each rewarded for their commitment and support to help save lives at a special ceremony held at Norwich City Football Club recently.

They all received a medal and framed certificate at the event before listening to guest speaker David Cook; who was diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma- a little known cancer of the lymphatic system- in 2001.

Over a seven month period, Mr Cook was given blood products during his chemotherapy treatment before receiving a successful stem cell transplant at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Mr Cook said: 'Thank you to all blood donors; you are truly life-savers.

'I would not have enjoyed my time with my five wonderful grandchildren who were born after I was diagnosed with terminal cancer.'

Michael Flowerday, 67 from Lowestoft said he was 'honoured' to hear Mr Cook's story as he described how he first gave blood in the same year England won the football World Cup.

'My mother gave blood, so one day I went along aged 19, back in September 1966, at the Beaconsfield Club.

'In those days you could only give two pints a year and now you can donate four times.

'People seem to think blood grows on trees and they take it for granted it will be there. My friends have had serious accidents at work and have needed blood.

'I have also given blood on a reasonably regular basis in South Africa when I was out there working in the oil fields.

'Also in Hong Kong where for the Red Cross you are given blood transfusion card which says 'priority for blood is given to donors and their immediate family when necessary'.'

Mr Flowerday's mother and sister have given over 50 pints each. To make it a real family affair his daughter has given 33 pints and his granddaughter has recently made her second donation.

Mr Flowerday worked abroad for a total of seven years, before owning a business designing and fitting kitchens. He emphasised that 'there is a shortage of beds and staff required to take blood in Waveney' and questions how new donors are expected to get on the ladder with many sessions fully booked.

He was joined at the event by Mr Butcher, 72 from Corton who is married with two sons. He was a school teacher for almost 40 years and recalls how he first donated blood at the Emmanuel Church Rooms in Bungay with his mother when he was home from his second year at Durham University in 1962.

'I was apprehensive at first but found was nothing to be worried about.

'We are helping other people and I would urge anyone youngsters to donate.

'It is beneficial because you get regular monitors of your own blood which could show disorders.'

Michelle Laserna, Senior Marketing Coordinator at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: 'These loyal donors are very special to us, which is why such an event gives us the opportunity to say a real heartfelt thanks.'

To book an appointment to give blood call the Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk

Do you know someone who has reached an important milestone? Email: joe.randlesome@archant.co.uk