A MAN from Newton Abbot has made his 500th donation of platelets.

John Jerwood started donating blood in the early 70s.

‘I donated blood right up to around the year 2000, which is when they discovered that I had quite a high platelet count - it’s just how I am - it’s nothing I do - it’s genetic!’, John said.

And with that, John, 77, began donating platelets in 2009, travelling to Plymouth once a month to do so.

Platelets are vital for treating serious blood disorders, but they can only be stored for a few days so regular donations are always in constant demand.

‘Because I have a fairly high platelet count, I can go quite frequently, they told me people normally donate two units every six weeks’, John said.

‘Half a day, once a month, is no skin off my nose really’, John added.

Earlier this year John made his 500th donation of platelets, receiving a special framed certificate for doing so.

And he has no intention of stopping.

‘They used to cut you off, but as long as I am healthy and I am willing to go, they will keep pulling them out!’, John said.