What began as a one-time favour to his employer soon developed into an enduring commitment for Mr Girish Ramchand Lakhani. Now after three decades of blood donation, he awaits his well-deserved Medal for Life medallion.

Before his first donation at age 21, Mr Girish Ramchand Lakhani harboured significant anxiety about the process. Like many first-time donors, the thought of needles filled him with dread. 

Thank You, Uncle Vashi

The turning point came through the encouragement of his previous employer, Uncle Vashi Chand. As the organiser of the Sindhu House blood donation drive, Uncle Vashi personally requested that he attempt donating just once. This gentle nudge from a respected figure provided the necessary motivation to overcome his initial reluctance.

His first donation experience proved transformative. Upon arrival, the blood bank staff recognised his nervousness and thoughtfully placed a sticker on his t-shirt that read, "Please be gentle to me as it's my first time donating." 

This simple acknowledgement of his anxiety helped ease his concerns. Most remarkably, after completing that inaugural donation, his fear vanished entirely—replaced by a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

Following that initial donation, he found himself eagerly anticipating the next blood drive organised by Uncle Vashi. 

So Much Blood, So Little Time

Blood Donors who have travelled overseas may be at risk for certain infections that can be transmitted through blood donation. For this reason, donors who travelled to malaria-risk areas are advised to delay blood donation for four months after returning to Singapore. This waiting period, while mitigating the risk of transmitting malaria, made consistent donation difficult for Girish at times due to the nature of his full-time job that involves frequent travel to developing nations.

Therefore, time management and careful planning was required to ensure that he could keep his regular appointments amidst professional responsibilities. 

However, this didn’t prevent him from enjoying the process when he got the time.

“A memorable moment of blood donation was when I was invited to start my apheresis journey at SGH with my own personal television to watch while donating white cells!”

A Hero for Life 

“My family and friends are so proud that I made it so far, and they are happy that I am in good health to carry on with further donations!”

Girish will be receiving the Medal for Life medallion for 29 years of consistent giving. This acknowledgement represents not just personal achievement but the culmination of a journey that has touched countless lives through his donations.

Beyond his personal contributions, he has also become an ambassador for blood donation, actively encouraging others to begin their own donation journeys.

“I try to inspire those around me to start their donation journey by sharing with them how I always feel so much lighter after giving blood. Just a little of your blood can give many years of life to someone else. At the same time, you get enriched by the experience.”