Plasma pledge

A Melton fitness trainer who has no choice but to regularly donate blood is urging others to do the same. Dale Azzopardi (pictured with Jack Dawson, Christian Azzopardi and Jasmine Nescri) has hemochromatosis, which means his body absorbs too much iron. He must give blood regularly to keep it in check. But Mr Azzopardi believes others should donate, even if they don’t have to. “Every donation saves lives.” Mr Azzopardi and some of his Anytime Fitness staff have committed to give blood every three months. The Australian Red Cross Blood Service says demand for blood and blood products will increase 100 per cent over the next 10 years. More details: 13 14 95 or donateblood.com.au.