BRAVE Pat Langrish was rewarded this week for nearly 40 years of blood donations. Having reached the 75 pints mark, Mrs Langrish received an award at a special ceremony at Salisbury Race Club on Tuesday. The award was part of a special annual event to celebrate the achievements of blood donors. Mrs Langrish, of Buckingham Road, Petersfield, one of 40 award winners across the south, was presented with a large Royal Doulton plate. But she has no plans to stop at 75 donations. At last Wednesday's visit of the blood unit to Love Lane, Petersfield, Mrs Langrish donated her 82nd pint of blood, although she admits to having some way to go before achieving her ultimate goal of 100 pints. "Once you've been a donor you can go on until you're 70. Providing I don't miss any, I'll have one spare," said Mrs Langrish, who kept her age a closely guarded secret, but revealed that by the time she was 70 she hoped to have made 101 donations. "I started on August 26, 1968," said Mrs Langrish. "The first time I gave half a pint and nearly passed out, but I still went back a second time." Over the years Mrs Langrish has seen changes in the way blood is collected, but is keen to urge newcomers to lend an arm to the service, which requires at least 8,000 pints everyday. "You used to have a big bandage all around your arm, but now it is just a small plaster. I used to walk around town with a big bandage on show, so proud I'd done it. "When you give blood the staff are so helpful. The meetings are well organised and everyone is so friendly." Mrs Langrish followed in the footsteps of her mother who managed 54 units. She said: "It may be uncomfortable for just 24 hours but if that goes to help save someone's life then it is worth it. "If you've got an appointment you could be in and out within half an hour. How much is that to give if you can save someone's life?" The next session at the community centre on Love Lane is on November 21, from 1.30pm-3.25pm and 4.30pm-7.15pm. For appointments, call 0845 7711711.