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Camanachd Association former manager and Dingwall Academy rector give blood together





Karen Cormack giving blood while husband Graham - who was giving his 113th donation - looks on. Picture: James Mackenzie
Karen Cormack giving blood while husband Graham - who was giving his 113th donation - looks on. Picture: James Mackenzie

“Growing up, my mum instilled a good understanding of the importance of helping others and doing your bit to give back.

Former Camanachd Association national development manager Graham Cormack attended at Dingwall Leisure Centre recently, to give what was his 113th blood donation.

Attending with his wife, Dingwall Academy rector Karen (who gave her 46th donation), Graham explained: “Both Karen and my parents were regular donors, so giving blood was something we’ve both always just done out of habit.

“It’s so easy to do and knowing how much you could be helping someone else with so little effort is all the motivation that you need to keep going.”

He added: “A lot will have changed at the donor sessions since our parents first gave blood and I’m sure has changed even since we started, but in a world where a lot of things feel more complicated, the online booking system makes everything really straightforward.

“All you need to do is book in and turn up.”

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Karen said: “Giving blood has always been something that’s been normal for us to do as a couple, and we’ve always made it normal for our own kids too.

“We feel proud knowing that as a family, our donations have helped so many people, whoever they may be.

“Whether our donations have gone on to help babies or elderly folk, they’ve all gone to somebody’s loved one, and that’s what we’d want for our own family or friends if it was ever needed.

“That’s why it’s really important, that we all do our bit as best we can.

“Everyone is so busy these days but giving blood is such a worthwhile cause and part of it means you actually get to lie down and relax for 10-15 minutes!

“I’ve always found the process completely painless, and you even get a biscuit and something to drink after your donation. The staff are always lovely and take such great care of you.

“It’s such a worthwhile use of time.

“Dingwall Academy is a community-minded school and it’s really important for us to give something back.

“Every year, we welcome the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service to speak to our senior pupils to tell them more about what they do and how easy it is to get involved if they feel motivated.

“Looking around today it’s been great to see that Dingwall Academy is definitely doing its bit. It felt great to see so many pupils from past and present attending today to give their donations.”

Graham concluded: “I’d say to anyone who’s not given blood before or who hasn’t been along in a while to just give it a try. You’ll see for yourself how easy it is to play your part, and you’ll feel really great about what you’ve done afterwards.’

A variety of donation sessions are held regularly at the Inverness Blood Donor Centre base at Raigmore Hospital.

Further community sessions are scheduled for Forres House Community Centre on January 28; Moray Sports Centre, Elgin on February 3; The Duthac Centre in Tain on February 11; Aviemore Primary School on February 12; Invergordon Leisure Centre on February 18; Glen Urquhart High School in Drumnadrochit on February 24; and Nairn Community and Arts Centre on February 25.

Highland News and Media wants to bring 5000 people in to give blood across the Highlands and Moray between now and Easter. Join our campaign to give blood and save lives. Book an appointment to give blood at www.scotblood.co.uk, or call 0345 90 90 999 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm).


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