"In fact I feel healthier... I think we should all do it."
- Interview with regular donor Mr Lim Cheng Heng

Q: Mr Lim, you have been a regular donor. Can you tell us when you started blood donation and what prompted you to do so?

In my army days, there was this talk we attended. I felt it was a good thing to do and that was when I started. I've been a donor since.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who has never donated blood?

Blood donation is a simple act really, and it is a great gift of love and life. I think we should all do it.

Q: How do you think you can help alleviate the fear of blood donation?

I think the fear is normal and it is something we can all overcome. If you are talking about pain, it's only like an ant bite. Once you psych yourself to do it, you don't feel anything. If you are convinced about the purpose of your act, the pain is negligible.

Q: Has blood donation affected your life in any way?

No, not really. I still go on with my everyday life. If you are talking about quality of life, it hasn't been affected. I still enjoy outdoor sports and having a healthy lifestyle. Even right after blood donation, I don't feel very much, in fact I feel healthier.

"You never know... a friend or family member may need it."
- Interview with Mr Lawrence Lim

Q: Lawrence, how did you get to know about blood donation and platelets donation?

I heard about blood donation during my school days, but I knew nothing about platelets donation, and I didn't do either of those then.

Q: So what made you go for a blood platelets donation and when was it?

I went for a blood platelets donation in November 2000. It was because of a very close friend of mine, who was going through a bone marrow transplant and needed blood platelets urgently. Since I was of the same blood type, I stepped forward to help out.

Q: What were the procedures you had to go through & how did you feel?

Well...first of all, I had to fill a form and then go through some blood screening tests, which was pretty quick. Once it was confirmed that I could donate, the nurses explained to me the whole procedure on what to expect etc. Of course, I was very apprehensive at first, just the thought of having needles on both arms. But the nurses were very professional, careful and polite, which set my mind more at ease. In fact, they applied local anesthetic on my forearm and I didn't feel anything...it was less painless than I thought! It was comfortable as well..I gt to sit on a reclining chair and could watch a movie during the 2-hour process.

Q: If you are asked to do this again, would you?

Yes, definitely I would do this again. It's a small sacrifice for the well being of others.

Q: Have you encouraged any one to go ahead and make a donation?

In fact, after my experience, I have asked a lot of my friends to make their donation too. I know for a fact that the blood bank is always short of blood and everyone should do his/her part to help. Besides, you just may never know..a friend or family member might need it.