Give Blood, Save Lives: Inverness donor’s eyes on the prize - but giving back to NHS is the main goal for Highland sportsman helping Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS)
Serial blood donor Kevin Cummings has his eyes on the prize – that prize being the quaich he believes is almost within touching distance.
“I believe that’s what you get for 100 donations,” he says.
“Having made 66 donations to date I’ve got my bronze, silver and gold awards – for 10, 25 and 50 donations – so the quaich is the next one I want to get my hands on.”
As first team goalkeeper with Highland Hockey Club a sense of dedication, determination and commitment to a cause is perhaps par for the course.
But for the 48-year-old whose day job is as a finance officer, as when it comes to working as part of a tame, his efforts are certainly not all in the name of self glory – he knows who he’s doing it for.
“My mum had more symptoms, more ill health, to deal with throughout her life than I can remember,” he said. “She was diagnosed with Chrone’s disease in her twenties; she had kidney issues and was on dialysis for more than 20 years – and through it all she was cared for by the NHS.
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“Donating blood is simply my way of giving back what I can.”
Always keen to talk up donation and recruit more people to the cause, Kevin has organised two group donation sessions for himself and his team mates so far, the most recent last August when 13 came forward to take part – up from nine the first time out.
Another session is planned for the middle of December when 16 members are lined up to participate.
“Why would you not want to donate if you can?” he asks simply.
“And it was really easy. I put a message out on the club’s WhatsApp group chat asking if anyone wanted to come along, spoke to the service and they blocked out a session for us.
“It’s the sort of thing any group, team, workplace could do.”
He adds: “I’m pleased with how many of my team-mates have been willing to take part, including four or five donating for the first time.”
And for those out there attracted to the idea of donating but perhaps apprehensive his message is simple: “It’s not as scary as you think.”
He added: “All the times I have donated the staff have been fantastic, they’ve been welcoming, they have made me feel relaxed – and on top of that is the satisfaction of knowing you’re providing help to people who really, really need it.
“My advice to anyone thinking of donating? Just go for it!”
