His century has breathed life into many

Vijaysinh Parmar TNN Ahmedabad: Snehal Shah has hit a ton, that too a very quick one. Not in what the country is crazy about, that is cricket, but, in what it needs a great deal — blood. Shah has donated blood 100 times at the age of 40, making him the youngest centurion blood donor in the city so far, say Red Cross officials of Ahmedabad chapter. That’s because he started young, at 18, the minimum age. On Wednesday, on the occasion of ‘All India Voluntary Blood Donation Day’ Shah and two other centurion blood donors will be felicitated by Red Cross Society for their noble deeds over the years. Shah, working in vigilance department of Oriental Insurance Company, made his century last year. “When I was in primary school, I came to know about blood donation as members of Red Cross came to our school. In class XII, one day a friend donated blood and told me about his experience. I had always wanted to do it — so I did. Since then, it has become a routine,’’ Shah says. Till he had donated 25 times, he did not tell his parents fearing they would dissuade him. But, much to his joy, they not only appreciated his efforts, but also joined him. Many of his friends too were inspired by him. “When I donated for the 25th time, my friend Ajay Parmar started donating. Now, he has donated more than 75 times. We always go together for the purpose.” Shah is very health-conscious and avoids eating out as it’s important to stay healthy to keep donating blood. He feels one should do whatever one can for others. “I and my parents have also pledged our eyes. I will continue to donate blood as long as health permits and after my death I wish to donate my body for research to help medical students,” the compulsive do-gooder adds.