A Wisbech man has helped save as many as 400 people’s lives over the last four decades and says anyone else can do it too.

Cambs Times: David Newton from Wisbech has given 101 pints of blood. Picture: Steve Williams.David Newton from Wisbech has given 101 pints of blood. Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)

David Newton, 61, is celebrating giving his 101st pint of blood and says he is hoping to carry on until he hits the 200 milestone - which will take him into his eighties.

Mr Newton, of Magazine Lane, who is a full-time carer for his wife Janet, has been giving blood for at least 40 years.

He started after giving up his hobby of boxing and attends donor sessions at the Queen Mary Centre in Somers Road, Wisbech and occasionally at the Elme Hall Hotel.

“I used to bleed profusely if I got a knock on the nose and I just through it would be a good idea to start giving blood when I stopped boxing.

“In the beginning you could only give two pints a year but the rules have changed and I can now give blood four times a year, and I can keep going for as long as I am healthy,” said Mr Newton, who has three grown up daughters.

He said: “Every pint of blood can help four people. I have given 101 pints so I could easily have helped save the lives of 400 people. Giving blood is easy, it doesn’t hurt and it doesn’t take long, but you can help so many people by doing it.”

Mr Newton received a special certificate and award when he gave his 100th pint in December and now he plans to reach double that if he can.

“Obviously if something happens to my own health then I will have to stop, but until that happens I’m just going to keep going four times a year. I’ve worked it out that it will take me well into my eighties to reach my goal,” he said.

Men can give blood every 16 weeks and for women it is every 16 weeks.

To find out more about giving blood visit: http://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/