A SOUTHAMPTON man has made a fantastic contribution to saving lives - by giving blood a staggering 200 times.

Barry Coffen, 65, reached the amazing total by supplying 80 blood donations and 120 platelet donations.

The personal shopper from Lordshill has dedicated his life helping to save others since the age of 17 and has now enlisted the support of his family. Barry's wife Molly has already reached 75 donations and he is pleading for more people to do the same.

He said: "My mother gave blood and so did my brother so I just followed suit. It feels absolutely brilliant to get to 200.

"It's a good cause, everyone should do it if they can.

"Donated blood goes all over the world but most of mine goes to people with cancer and leukaemia so I hope it makes a difference close to home."

Barry has just given his 200th donation at the National Blood Service's Southampton donor unit.

Fay Simcox, NBS's spokeswoman for the south, was full of admiration for his achievement.

She said: "We'd like to thank Mr Coffen for his continued support. It is a fantastic achievement.

"As well as giving blood some people can also donate platelets as Barry has. Platelets are an invaluable blood component, which help to save lives.

"Hospitals constantly demand them to help treat leukaemia, cancer patients and also people that suffer from severe infections.

"Platelets are vital to help blood clot. We hope that others will be inspired by his dedication and will sign up to give blood."