LIFE-SAVING donors who have given blood more than 75 times were awarded for outstanding dedication at a ceremony marking their rare achievement.

The six saints have potentially saved the lives of nearly 1,300 people. Each donation could save the lives of up to three people.

David Sharpe of Melbury Road, Harrow and John Gay of Chandos Road, Pinner have both made 100 donations; John Patterson of Lulworth Drive, Pinner, Barry Scott of Morley Crescent, Stanmore and John Keane of Chicheley Gardens, Harrow have made 75 donations.

Sandra Kaye of Whitchurch Lane, Edgware, has given 500 Aspherisis, a form of donation every two weeks which involves the removal of the platelets and the plasma and the return of the red blood cells.

Mr Sharpe, 65, said: "The first donation I made was in the National Service in Korea. I think it is something we should all do as we all look to the National Health Service for help and it would be nice to know that someone is doing the same to help you."

The awards were presented in Connaught Rooms, Covent Garden recently by National Blood Service (NBS) chairman Mike Fogden. He said: "We are celebrating the rare achievements of some wonderful people.

"The quiet heroes of our society who have given blood freely for the benefit of others. That is something that really is amazing," he added.

The awards come at a time of year when attendance at donor sessions can fall by as much as 10 per cent. Of particular importance at this time of year are platelets, which only have a five-day life span.

Platelets are a component of blood and are frequently required by cancer patients who have undergone chemotherapy.

Anyone aged between 17 and 60 can give blood.

For more information on how to do your bit, call 0845 7711 711, or visit the NBS website at http://www.blood.co.uk