Marjorie donates blood for 175th time
Mrs Marjorie Varcoe, 75, of Woy Woy has celebrated her 175th blood donation.
Mrs Varcoe began donating at the blood bank when it was in George St, Sydney, in 1950.
"I walked past one day and thought that it would be a good thing to do and I have been donating blood ever since," she said.
Mrs Varcoe was a teacher and taught in many Sydney suburbs, Broken Hill and at Ettalong.
She retired in 1967 and has lived in Woy Woy for 34 years.
Each year Mrs Varcoe visits her doctor to ensure that she is well enough to continue donating blood and has received the all clear each time.
Woy Woy Blood Bank nurses Judy Walshall and Fay Goodsir arranged for a special cake for Marjories 175th donation and shared it with all other donors on the day.
"Marjorie has been an inspiration to us all," said Judy.
"Her commitment to saving lives by continuing to donate blood at her age should be seen by the entire community as a special effort," she said.
New donors are needed and anyone in good health and up to 70 years old is welcome.
Woy Woy Blood Bank is located within the grounds of Woy Woy Hospital and is open each Tuesday from 2pm to 8pm and each Wednesday from 9am to 3pm.
There is also a free monthly barbecue for donors on the fourth Wednesday of each month.
The blood bank currently has about 25 donations each day and has room for more.
Cec Bucello, May 8