Longford man honoured for donating 100 pints of blood

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) held its annual Gold Drop and Porcelain Pelican Awards Ceremony for the North-East Midlands region on Friday, April 25 in the Ardboyne Hotel, Navan, Co Meath.

One hundred and fourteen 50-time Donors received their Gold Drop and twenty two 100-time Donors, including Longford’s James Mulligan, received their Porcelain Pelicans at the ceremony.

Donors and their guests attended from counties Cavan, North County Dublin, Kildare, Leitrim, Longford, Louth, Meath, Monaghan and Westmeath.

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Iosif Korpas, Area Manager for the Ardee Centre was MC for the ceremony and welcomed everyone including Board Members of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service and congratulated all the Donors on their significant achievements.

Chief Executive Officer Orla O’Brien thanked Donors from the bottom of her heart stating that donating 50 times is quite an achievement but donating 100 times is awe inspiring.

The CEO presented each of the 50 Time Donors with their Gold Drop awards and the Porcelain Pelicans to the 100 Time Donors.

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Mrs Emma Gilbey spoke on behalf of her family and thanked all the Donors present from the bottom of her heart. Emma received blood before and throughout the four hours of emergency surgery that followed during the birth of her son Charlie.

13-year-old Charlie took to the podium & thanked Donors for saving his Mum’s life bringing the crowd to a standing ovation.

Iosif Korpas, Area Manager delivered the closing address. He thanked all the donors on their fantastic accomplishment of donating 50 and 100 times. This requires significant dedication and they are truly inspiring. Iosif also thanked Emma for sharing her powerful story, reminding us all why blood donations are always required.