A LIFE-SAVING Hampshire man has given a vital blood component for the tenth time in just one year.

The needle was racing against the clock as Clive Pittard put off his last donation of platelets until New Year’s Eve.

He is the first in the county to complete the National Blood Service (NBS) Ten Campaign which urges platelet donors to make the effort ten times a year.

Platelets are vital in treating cancer, severe infections and blood clots and they are always in short supply as they have a shelf life of just five days.

Clive made his remarkable achievement at the Southampton Donor Clinic and is the first to be given the loyalty badge.

Clive, from Gosport, said “The donor carers are like one big happy family. It’s a great place with great people.

“This is my way of giving something back. If you have no money you can still give something, give your blood or bone marrow.

“Giving blood and platelets is a great thing to do.”

To make an appointment to donate, call the NBS on 0845 771 1711.