A BLOOD-donating gran has been honoured for rolling up her sleeves to help save hundreds of lives.

Grandmother-of-five Brenda Anthony, 66, has given an amazing 75 blood donations to the National Blood Service.

Each blood donation can help up to three patients, so she has potentially saved the lives of up to 225 people.

Brenda, from Great Harwood, said: “It's about helping other people.

“When I had my eldest son it was a forceps delivery and I needed blood then. When you're on the receiving end you realise how important it is.

“Blood doesn't have a very long shelf life, so they need plenty of donors.”

Brenda received a crystal plate to mark her efforts at an awards ceremony held at Lancashire County Cricket Club.

Her award was presented by Sarah Mullins, a Manchester mum who suffered a massive haemorrhage following the birth of her son 18 months ago.

She had surgery and needed four litres of blood to save her life.

Brenda said: “It was a long time ago when I started donating.

“I was 18 and they came around the insurance company where I worked in London.

“I've never been squeamish, but I didn't start giving regularly until my third son was born, 30-odd years ago.

“Now my eldest granddaughter Jemma, who is 18, is helping too.

“She came with me to the awards and is going to make an appointment.

"Some people had given 100 pints! Hopefully I'll reach 100 too.”

Pam Prescott, National Blood Service communications officer, said the service wanted to recognise the commitment that long serving blood donors make.

She said: “All our donors are special, but it is a pleasure to thank our dedicated donors in this way.”