Malcolm Uppard, client portfolio manager at Cumbrian accountancy firm Lamont Pridmore, has been honoured by the NHS blood and transplant team for donating blood 100 times.

Uppard was invited to a ceremony at St James’ Park, home of Newcastle United Football Club, receiving a certificate, medal, and badge for his contribution to saving lives.

Malcolm first joined the growing list of active blood donors in 1976, just one year after being admitted to ICAEW.

Uppard said: ‘I usually donate about four times a year… I don’t really have a big story behind why I do it. To me, it just feels like a simple, good thing that helps other people.

‘If you’re able to donate, I’d say crack on and give it a go.’

Colleagues in Uppard’s Carlisle office held a small celebration to show ‘how inspired they are by his 50 years of going the extra mile to help people he will never meet’.

Office manager Adele Dowie, and finance manager Christine Telfer, provided cakes they had baked and decorated, complete with icing droplets to match the blood‑donation theme.

Chris Lamont, managing director of Lamont Pridmore said: ‘What Malcolm has done is something he should be really proud of.

‘He’s not the type to seek attention, but his commitment to donate 100 pints of blood to help strangers in need is something we all admire. I think it speaks volumes about the kind of person he is.

‘Malcolm’s generosity shows how the selfless decisions of one individual can make a difference to so many lives. Here’s to more years of giving.’

Daniel Cooper, assistant director for Blood Operations at NHS Blood and Transplant, told Business & Accountnacy Daily: 'We are so grateful to our loyal blood donors, like Malcolm, who help ensure that the blood is available when patients and hospitals urgently need it. We know these stories often inspire others to donate.

'The NHS needs more young people to sign up and donate. Young people have a whole lifetime of donation ahead of them, and we will rely on them to secure the blood supply of the future. 

'Right now, we particularly need more donors with B negative, O negative or the Ro subtype to boost stocks of these vital blood types as we head towards the busy summer holiday period, as well as more donors of Black heritage to help treat those with sickle cell.'

To register as a donor or book an appointment, please visit: www.blood.co.uk, download the NHS Give Blood app or call 0300 123 23 23.