A GENEROUS man has been given an award after donating more than 100 pints of blood. 

Mark Allard from Offenham has been given a Blood Donation and Plasma Award after donating more than100 pints of blood to the National Health Service. 

Mr Allard donated his 101st pint of blood last month, his last and final donation after nearly 50 years. 

Mr Allard said: "I have donated 101 pints of blood.

"I started in 1975 when I was working with the army, one thing led to another and I have just carried on doing it.

"I wanted to get to 100 and I have packed up now. 

"I have got that many holes in my arms that it's getting difficult to find a vein. 

"I am now testing insufficient for iron in my blood, also if you are taking any tablets they won't take your blood."

Mr Allard was presented with his award in Aston on May 20 for his contributions. 

He continued: "There must have been around 300 people at the awards.

"I have tried to encourage others to donate but it's mainly older people who donate. 

"It would be nice to encourage youngsters. 

"101 pints for a 64-year-old ain't bad is it?

"If it encourages other people to have a go then that would be great."

Each donation lasted approximately one hour, adding up to 4.2 continuous days since 1978. 

Mr Allard could have saved up to 300 lives as according to the NHS, each pint of blood that is donated can save up to three lives. 

Mr Allard said: "My blood goes from Evesham to Bristol. 

"I did get a notification once that my blood had been used.

"A lot of people have operations and rely on donations. 

"If there are no donations that can make life tricky.

"I would implore everyone to go out and do it, you could save a life."

Donated blood is used for research as well as in blood transfusions.

The blood can be separated into its components and used to treat patients with different medical conditions. 

According to the NHS, nearly 5,000 people need to donate blood every day to meet demand.