The globe-travelling retiree says he is motivated to continue donating in Port Macquarie after experiences touring Australia, Fiji and Africa.

Plasma Awareness Week is continues until October 13 and highlights the importance of plasma donations which can be used to treat people with chronic diseases as well as trauma, burns and shock.

"There were several reasons I started donating and I always wanted to do something important," he said.

"In 2007 my wife and I started doing a lot of remote travelling in the deserts and stock routes.

"What really tipped me was while we were in a remote part of Australia in 2010 a very good workmate of mine, a friend at Expressway Spares, was killed.

"It really got me thinking: what can I do to help people in need. You do see some terrible accidents out there in remote Australia.

"We got back from the desert travels only to find out that our daughter had a Leukemia-based blood disorder. It was two whacks in one year."

After travelling to Fiji and Africa and waiting out a three month exclusion, Mr Leahy began donating in March 2016.

He has continued to make a donation each fortnight.

"A lot of people are scared of the needle - and I was always a bit apprehensive of that too - but I thought you're old enough to build a bridge and get over it," he laughed.

"In Port Macquarie the one on one nursing makes it worthwhile and you look forward to it. It's one of the things in life where you can do some good.

"I look forward to coming here every fortnight and it's only an hour a day, which is nothing.

"Knowing that you could save a child or a grandmother, every little bit helps. I'll keep coming as long as I am healthy enough.

"It doesn't matter if it's 75 or 300 donations."

Australian Red Cross Blood Service spokesman Stuart Ward said Australia is experiencing a significant increase in demand for plasma.

"Over the last decade the demand for some plasma products has increased by around ten per cent every year," Mr Ward said.

"Blood donation is not just about the red stuff. Plasma makes up the majority of our blood, and is full of important proteins and nutrients that protect us against invaders and help our blood to clot.

"Plasma and plasma products can be the last line of defence in the treatment of many serious medical conditions like cancer, bleeding disorders, immune and neurological conditions, and burns."

For more information visit www.donateblood.com.au

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