TWO Leigh men have been praised at a special ceremony at Manchester United's Old Trafford ground to thank the region's most dedicated blood donors.
Andrew Oxley, 60, received an engraved crystal plate to mark his 75th donation of blood, while Tom Johnson, 51 collected a crystal decanter for his 100th donation.
Andrew Oxley, an accountant, said "I first started giving blood when a friend asked me to give a pint on the way for a pint at the pub!"
Garage owner Tom Johnson started giving blood 34 years ago when he broke his leg. Although he didn't need blood, he decided to become a donor. He said "It is nice to know that if I ever needed blood, I've done my bit to help and someone might be able to help me."
The awards were presented by 14 year-old Matthew Bonner, from Handforth. Diagnosed as a baby with a rare genetic immune disorder, over the years he needed many transfusions of specially donated white blood cells to boost his immune system.
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