Blood donations in Tamworth from Lancers, support battalion in name of friend

The 12th/16th Hunter River Lancers and 11th Combat Service Support Battalion were joining in the Australia-wide Defence Blood Challenge, running from September 1 to December 8, but it was a little more personal this year.

Ten unit members and associates donated in the name of Lance Corporal Darrell "FJ" Holden, who died in late August at the age of 45 after a short battle with cancer.

Regimental adjutant, Major Wayne Clarke, said Lance Corporal Holden had been "a really nice guy, very well-regarded".

12th/16th light cavalry scout Sara Spokes described him as "just a lovely guy, a help-anyone guy".

Major Clarke said giving blood and plasma was also simply part of the 12/16's ethics.

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"We're all members of the community so we feel it's one of our duties and responsibilities ... to support blood drives and challenges like this," he said.

"It's all part of how we are and who we are."

Donor service nursing assistant Janine Dietrich said plasma was a vital gift, as it could be used in 18 different ways as part of life-saving treatments.

She said there was a belief a large proportion of blood products were used in road trauma incidents, but "34 per cent of all products go to treat cancer patients".

Trooper Spokes said it was her second time taking part in the drive, but she often gave plasma during the year.

"I meet a military friend and it's kind of our 'coffee catch-up'," she said.

Administration officer Vicki Whinfield was another who gave plasma - it was her 25th donation.

"I had a blood transfusion many years ago, so I just feel it's nice to give back," she said.