A MILESTONE blood donation has a significant meaning for one Flintshire family.

Andy Hughes had arranged to donate blood earlier this week at Mold’s Theatr Clwyd in memory of his late dad Kevin Hughes.

The Leader previously reported that the popular local councillor, 63, sadly died earlier this year after battling coronavirus.

Kevin had regularly donated blood for 25 years – amassing 99 donations – but just missed out on making his 100th milestone due to the COVID-19 virus. However, his son’s have vowed to carry on his legacy of saving lives.

Speaking to the Leader having just donated blood, Andy said: “Dad was very well known and people there all knew him well being a regular donor. They actually approached us to see if we’d be able to help reach his 100 donation mark.

“I haven’t donated for about 15 years now but jumped at the chance to do this. With everything going on in the world it puts into perspective how small actions like this can go a long way to helping someone when they need it most.”

Along with Andy donating in Mold, another of Kevin’s son’s – Chris – made a donation in his local area of Manchester.

In Kevin’s memory, the service presented Andy with what would have been the award that goes to those who reach the milestone.

He said: “It was great to do this and carry on dad’s belief that blood donations have such a great power to do good.

“Our next goal is to get to 150 in his name. That will take some time but between us, making that commitment, we could potentially save dozens of lives.”

The Welsh Blood Service says that eligible and healthy men can donate blood every three months – with women asked to wait four months between donations.

Every pint of blood donated has the potential to save three lives – meaning Kevin has potentially helped almost 300 people since his first donation.

Andy encouraged anyone who is eligible to consider giving blood.

He said: “The whole process was really easy and its all done with COVID secure measures in place obviously.

“For half an hour of your time – and a free biscuit – you could save someone’s live. That feeling is just immense.”

Blood donation appointments in Wales are classed as essential travel under current COVID-19 restrictions.

To see if you are eligible, and to check when your next upcoming blood donation session will be, go to https://www.welsh-blood.org.uk/.