Gold Coast surfing legend Mark Richardson to thank life-saving blood donors this National Blood Donor Week.

Image supplied | Mark Richardson

As National Blood Donor Week (10-16 June) unfolds, the critical role of blood donors in Australia is brought to the forefront by former surfing great Mark Richardson.

After being medically evacuated from Bali last year due to severe internal bleeding, Richardson's life was saved by a timely blood transfusion, highlighting the irreplaceable value of blood donation.

In Queensland, the Lifeblood Donor Centre in Robina will see Richardson personally thanking donors who have saved countless lives through their selfless acts.

This week-long celebration is not only a recognition of these everyday heroes but also a call to action for more Australians to become donors.

According to Lifeblood spokesperson Belinda Smetioukh, "One in three people will need blood or blood products in their lifetime."

This statistic underscores the widespread impact and necessity of blood donations across the country. With Lifeblood needing 1.6 million donations annually, the urgency for new donors is ever-present.

This week alone, another 1,000 Queenslanders are needed to meet the state's demand.

Blood donations cater to a diverse range of medical needs, from cancer patients to trauma victims, and from individuals with blood disorders to new mothers.

In fact, every 18 seconds, someone in Australia requires blood. The simple act of donating, which takes just an hour, can save up to three lives.

As part of National Blood Donor Week, Lifeblood offers a limited-edition bandage designed by Indigenous Australian artist Aretha Brown, as a token of appreciation for the half a million donors who currently contribute to Australia's life-saving blood supply.

Mark Richardson's gratitude and the stories of countless other recipients serve as powerful reminders of how vital blood donors are. As we celebrate National Blood Donor Week, it is clear that these donors are indeed the lifeblood of Australia.