Christian Grell has been donating regularly to the MHH for 40 years—and with his 250th platelet donation, he is once again helping people who are seriously ill.
250-mal Hoffnung gespendet: Dr. Jörg Martens (links) und Christian Grell. Copyright: Latizia Benski/MHH
For 40 years, Christian Grell has been visiting the Hannover Medical School (MHH) regularly to donate platelets. He has now reached his 250th platelet donation. An impressive milestone after four decades of helping patients who depend on his blood donations. Platelets help stop bleeding. Since they have a shelf life of only a few days, new donations are needed regularly.
Christian Grell demonstrates perseverance not only as a donor but also in sports. Dr. Jörg Martens from the MHH Blood Donation Service honored him for his long-standing commitment with a certificate and a gift card for sporting goods—a fitting recognition for the avid marathon runner. “Christian Grell proves just how much a single person can make a difference for others,” said Dr. Martens. “Donors like Christian Grell, who have been with us for decades, form the backbone of our supply of platelet products.”
Grell has also inspired his two daughters to become blood donors. For him, regular donation has long been part of his daily routine. He even describes the time spent in the donation chair as his personal “quality time”—an hour away from it all. That’s why, after every donation, he immediately schedules his next appointment—as a matter of course.
Text: Latizia Benski