A Laois man has recently completed his 100th blood donation in the Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise.
Leo O’Gorman, 66, has been giving blood since he was 18 and proudly reached the milestone in his hometown this past week.
Portlaoise native Leo always viewed blood donation as a way of giving back, but also a way to keep himself healthy by constantly forcing his own body to produce new blood.
Any time the Irish Blood Transfusion unit were in Portlaoise, Leo made it his business to get down and do his part.
Leo spent 30 years in the Portlaoise Fire Service, where he developed a new appreciation for the importance of giving blood.
Now retired, Leo also spent a long while as an Inspector in An Post.
A very modest man, however, Leo does not see the landmark as anything major, and says he started by wanting to emulate his father.
“My father used to always give blood, until he was diagnosed with cancer; he ceased giving it then, so I started giving it as soon as I got to 18.
“As I said to the nurses, as long as they keep taking it, I’ll keep giving it.
“When the day comes that they stop taking it from me, that’s when I’ll worry.”
Leo’s daughter, Aedín O’Gorman, a registered nurse and trainee psychotherapist, says the family are are all incredibly proud.
“It might prompt people to give blood – it’s so important,” she said.
“We’re all just so, so proud of him – I’m following in his footsteps myself, but I’m only on number six so far.”
Leo is proudly supported by wife, Elizabeth; adult children, Neil, Ronan, Aisling and Aedín; and the adorable family dog, Pipa.
Fair play Lee!
SEE ALSO – In Pictures: World famous Champions League trophy makes its way to Portlaoise
