SPECIAL MILESTONE: 'I am really proud about giving blood and I know it is helping to save lives.'

Those were the thoughts of 63-year-old Linda Barnard, from Gunton, who recently donated her 75th pint of blood in Lowestoft.

Mrs Barnard, who is retired, first donated at the age of 18 and recalled how at the time: 'Jimmy Tarbuck was there making a big thing of it.'

She had to stop donating for a total of four years after having her four children but described how her desire to 'save lives and help people' is the main reason that she has continued to donate over the years.

After moving to Lowestoft in 1987, Mrs Barnard has donated twice a year at St Margaret's Church Hall or at the Trinity Methodist Church.

'We make up a pint of blood in eight hours so I would encourage people to give it a go and try it,' Mrs Barnard said.

'It doesn't hurt. I am the biggest baby when it comes to needles you just lay there for 15 minutes and that's it and you've saved someone's life.

'I get really upset if I can't go as I just love helping people.'