TALENTED Kerry footballer Seán O’Leary required a transfusion of seven units of blood after sustaining serious injuries in a horror road crash last July.
Now, as a gesture of thanks, the Kilcummin GAA Club star is fronting a public appeal for blood donors to come forward to donate to help save other lives.
Kerry senior panel member Seán and his partner, Emma, were involved in a serious collision as they made their way home from the Kerry v Tipperary Munster Championship clash in Semple Stadium in Thurles on July 10.
He sustained two badly broken legs but he is now making a good recovery and is looking forward to the day he will get back into action on the field of play.
Having benefited from a lifesaving blood transfusion, Seán is now determined to raise awareness of the importance of donors to come forward and his Kilcummin club mates are backing his campaign in a social media appeal.
They are highlighting the fact that a blood donation clinic will be based in the Dromhall Hotel, Killarney from Monday next, October 4, until the following Thursday. To book an appointment to donate just call 1850-731-137 or contact any Kilcummin club member who will advise on the best way to proceed.
Those unavailable to donate next week can arrange to do so at a later date by logging on to www.giveblood.ie.
Official figures show that one in four people will require a blood transfusion in their lifetime but, as it stands, just three per cent of the eligible population donate blood.
67 per cent of donated blood is used to treat cancer patients and people with blood disorders, 27 per cent is used in surgery and emergency situations and six per cent of blood donated is used to treat women suffering blood loss after childbirth or to help premature babies.
