Two Builth Wells brothers have been awarded for reaching their 100th donation milestone after decades of giving blood.

Phillip and Stephen Owen, and more than 80 donors from the area, have been recognised for their commitment to the Welsh Blood Service at award ceremonies held in Llandrindod Wells.

The brothers started donating in their teens and have gone on to save countless lives.

Stephen, 49, from Cae Castell, said: “Our father and our uncle were dedicated blood donors, they both encouraged us to start giving blood from a young age. We’ve been donating since we turned 17.

“I’m lucky enough to have two children and I hope that when they reach that age they’ll donate as well. They even came along to the donation clinic with me when I made my 50th donation!”

“Although my brother and I have been donating blood for most of our lives, there’s always a need for new donors to start giving to replace us when we no longer can.”

Phillip, 47, from Penybryn, said: “To me, it’s the same as going for a coffee or going for a haircut. It’s easy, it’s just an hour of your time.”

Stephen added: “If you can, donate! What is more precious than giving somebody life?”

Two awards ceremonies were held at the Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells, with local blood donors celebrated for their 50th, 75th and 100th donations alongside bone marrow donors, who were potentially one of the only matches in the world capable of saving their recipients.

An incredible 13,200 lives have potentially been saved between the donors, as each blood donation received can save as many as three lives. To reach the award ceremony, blood donors would have needed to donate whole blood for over 10 years.

The Welsh Blood Service need to collect over 100,000 units of blood every year.

The Welsh Blood Service will be holding a donation session in the Metropole Hotel on Thursday, October 4, and Friday, October 5. To book an appointment or to view the full list of clinics, visit welsh-blood.org.uk or call 0800 252 266.