Today was a special day: my 50th donation of blood. After donating over three decades and in three different cities, reaching 50 definitely feels like a huge milestone, and I’m so grateful I’ve been able to do it.

It got me thinking about my Dad. He gave blood for years, right up until his own major operation where he needed five or six units back. As he put it at the time, his need was finally greater than theirs. I don’t know exactly how many times he donated, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he hit the 50 mark before he retired from giving. It’s a nice thing to share that achievement with him, even in memory.

What really sticks with me is knowing that every single donation has the potential to save a life. And that in exchange for every donation, I’ve had lovely snacks! For a while, the donation session was one of the only ways I knew how to get hold of Seabrook crisps, which might be my favourite reward of all.

I’ve given blood in three different cities over the years: at University in Newcastle, in London (including when the service used to come right to my workplace — no excuse then!), and more recently here in Brighton.

My 50th donation was in the shiny new donor centre here in Brighton. I think this marks the end of an era for me. No more random visits to cricket grounds or racecourses for the mobile service anymore!