A BARRY man who has been donating blood for 25 years has now given more than 700 platelet donation to the Welsh Blood Service!

Graham Underdown, 56, of Clos Cwm Barri, gave his landmark 700th donation on New Year's Eve 2007 - and has given two donations since.

He said: "I first gave blood when I was an apprentice - for an hour off work and tea and crisps - and I just carried on from there.

"In 1991 I started giving platelet donations and I give every three weeks now. A single donation of platelets is divided into three, and counts as three donations because it could potentially help three people.

"It's is so important to the patients," he added.

"They are usually children with leukaemia or women with breast cancer where the chemotherapy has killed off their platelets, or people with severe burns."

Unlike a blood donation, which can be taken every three months, a platelet donation can be taken every month.

A machine takes the platelets out of the blood and pumps the blood back inside the body.

Platelets are more versatile than blood donations as they can be given to anyone.

The donation takes about an hour and a half and donors have to go to Llantrisant, but Post Office manager Graham says it's worth it.

"You are helping someone and having a rest," he added.

"They give you an MOT and take your blood pressure - so it's like a health check at the same time. And there are plasma screens and dvds, but we usually have a chat to the nurses."

Trudy Evans from the Welsh Blood Service said: "Graham's commitment is very much appreciated by the Welsh Blood Service and the numerous patients whom he has helped over many years."

To donate platelets you must have given blood at least once, be at least nine stone in weight and have either O or A type blood.

For information phone 0800 252266 or visit the website www.welshblood.org.uk