A LOCAL family of four has donated blood 119 times over the past 16 years, contributing 75,532 milliliters of blood, equivalent to the total blood volume of 16 people weighing 60 kilograms, the Shenzhen Special Zone Daily reported.

The newspaper reported the story of Liu Qifeng and his family Friday, World Blood Donor Day.

“My family has persisted in giving blood because blood donation can save people’s lives, and we think it’s the best way to pay back the city,” said Liu, a veteran from Shaanxi Province who relocated to Shenzhen three decades ago.

“I was a soldier before and donated blood in the army. I think blood donation is the best way to serve the society,” said Liu.

On May 25, 2002, Liu walked into Shenzhen Blood Center and donated blood in the city for the first time. He has continued to give blood ever since, donating a total of 47,732 milliliters of blood over 72 donations.

Liu said he feels a sense of pride and achievement every time he donates blood to save lives. “I name every Sunday on the week I receive my salary my blood donation day,” Liu told the newspaper.

The veteran’s persistence has touched and influenced his family members. Liu’s wife and two sons have joined him to donate blood.

“My wife was afraid of having blood drawn, but she would keep me company when I went to donate blood and gradually became inspired by all the donors of different ages, so she began to donate blood as well,” said Liu, adding that his two sons also began to give blood for free after they turned 18 years old.

The Liu’s won the title of a “Top 10 most-loving family” in Shenzhen in 2012 and Liu himself has received a handful of awards granted by municipal, provincial and even national public health departments.

Liu said that the best age range for blood donation is between 18 and 55 years old. He calls for more residents to take part in blood donation, as it is the best way to contribute to the city.

(Zhang Qian)