Harrow’s most dedicated blood donors have been honoured at an award ceremony.

The long-standing donors attended the NHS Blood and Transplant awards in Watford on Wednesday.

The event was organised to recognise the donors’ loyalty and commitment.

Among the award winners was Montgomery Lawrence, of Kingsbury, who was given an prize for having made 75 blood donations.

He said: “I continued to give blood because I was one of a few black donors and I felt it was important to donate. It is about taking responsibility.”

Steve Russell, of Northwood, who has made 100 donations, said: “My late father’s life was saved when he was taken ill in his 40s and received eight pints of blood during the operations he had.

“Apart from my father, my youngest daughter’s father-in-law is also receiving platelets on a regular basis as part of his hospital treatment.

“You never know when you or your family or close friends will need blood donations.”

Dominic Sutherland, Lead Donor Relations Manager for North West London at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “Sometimes you forget how much of a difference giving blood can make to people’s lives.

“Ceremonies like this allow us to say a massive thank you to all the donors who take time out of their busy lives to do something life saving on a regular basis.

“These donors are an inspiration to us all and we hope that they continue donating and saving the lives of many more people.”

Anyone wanting to donate blood for the first time has to be aged between 17 to 65, weighing at least 50 kg (7 stone 12lbs) and in general good health.

To book an appointment call the Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk