Well respected general practitioner Ken Mackey of Lockhart is on the road to completing a remarkable recovery following a bicycle accident in March.
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Following his release from Wagga Base Hospital earlier this month Dr Mackey returned to light duties at his Green Street, Lockhart practice.
His journey to full recovery was helped along by the large amount of blood given to him at Wagga Base Hospital.
Dr Mackey is now in talks with the Red Cross Blood Service to become an Ambassador for the blood service in the local area as gratitude for the lifesaving donations.
“I needed eight units to replace blood loss from internal bleeding,” he said.
“It is important for people to donate blood and it’s a good service to have around.
“I’d encourage people to donate and get a health check up at the same time as I found when I went to donate I have arterial stenosis.
‘There are a number of little benefits for people coming to donate blood and getting a health check.
“Only one in 500 or so people that come in will have anything wrong with them when they get a check but it’s a good thing to do.”
Dr Mackey said he is grateful for the support of the community while he was in hospital and thanked the Lockhart community for their
concern.
“I received a large number of cards from people around the area and it was certainly uplifting for me,” Dr Mackey said.
“I haven’t been able to respond to them all since it has been a bit overwhelming but I thank everyone for their support.”
The Riverina’s Red Cross Blood Service community relations officer Rebekah Manwaring is hopeful Dr Mackey’s story will help inspire the community to donate blood.
“People don’t think things like this can happen to people they know but it does and Dr Mackeys’ story is a reminder of that,” Ms Manwaring said.
“His recovery has been remarkable and we hope people will realise through stories such as his that it is important to give blood.
Ms Manwaring is encouraging the Lockhart community to get behind the drive for blood and help support the service.
“Lockhart is usually pretty good with blood donations but it is coming into the winter season so we need to get the word out there.
“It could be someone standing next to you who need blood so it’s important people come along and find out if they can donate.”
Blood is vital to life and for many people blood donors are their lifeline. Currently only 1in 30 people give blood, but 1in 3 people will need blood in their lifetime.
The Red Cross Blood Service will be in Lockhart on May 1 and 2, outside the council chambers. To find out more information call
13 14 95.
