One hundred donations

One hundred blood donations is something that few individuals can claim, but Peter Kavanagh of Martinborough is one of them. Peter was the star turn on Blood Day at the Town Hall as he clocked up 100 donations with a very relaxed air. Peter’s first donation was in the late 1960s, and although the exact date eludes him he clearly remembers what happened, saying with a smile, “I ended up on the floor that first time, but I’ve been fine each time since”.

Peter and his wife Heather recently retired and moved to Martinborough after 42 years in the same Wellington home. They began coming to Martinborough years ago, returning each summer to the Fair, and often thought they could retire here. A few years ago they began looking seriously, found the home they wanted, and “never looked back”. They have “fantastic neighbours, friendly and helpful” and find that many of their visitors, especially Wellingtonians, look enviously on their choice of community. “I don’t know what it is but nobody has a bad word to say about the place,” says Peter.

Congratulations to Peter on an impressive milestone achieved and the community spirit displayed in being a blood donor for so many years – and a very warm welcome to Martinborough.

A total of 104 litres of blood were collected on the day. This is the first time that more than 100 litres have been collected – so congratulations to all those generous Martinborough Donors.

Rachel McCahon