In fact, the Thornton resident marked a milestone with her 50^th donation on Tuesday. 

But Ms Eyre said it was only the beginning, and she would continue donating for as long as she possibly could. 

“After my first donation, I was really happy and excited that I was helping someone,” she said.

“Every donation saves three lives, and that was really powerful for me.”

Ms Eyre also runs her own business and has joined the Red25 blood drive which aims to unite organisations across Australia to donate 25 per cent of the 1 million-plus blood donations needed every year, with 25,000 donations needed every single week. Last year, Ms Eyre’s group made 51 donations – saving 153 lives. 

Red Cross Blood Service spokesperson Brian Bruce said the city’s donor centre was urging people to roll up their sleeve and donate. 

“During our Blood Blitz over the festive season, Australians really rallied to support patients who depend on blood products for their treatment,” he said.

“However, we still need another 300 donors by the end of January at the Maitland Blood Donor Centre.

“Historically, we see a drop in the number of people donating over long weekends or public holidays.”

Each year more than 13,000 Australians are diagnosed with blood cancers, with many relying on donors. 

Mr Bruce said a donation only took a small amount of time out of a person’s day and makes a world of difference, especially with only one in 30 Australians donating blood.  “These 300 blood donors have the potential to help 900 Australian patients relying on blood products during this time,” he said.

“These patients could be people undergoing treatment for cancer, newborns, those undergoing emergency surgery, those involved in road accidents and so many more.  Your donation could be the life-changing gift to help someone spend the New Year with their loved-ones.”

To make an appointment or learn more about donating blood or plasma, call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au. Maitland Donor Centre is located at 39 St Andrews Street, Maitland.