An Islington woman has made her 100th blood donation – 12 months after sweetening the deal by handing over one of her own kidneys.

Celia Kent, 72, hit the landmark figure last week, having donated a kidney to a stranger last year.

“As a fit and healthy person, it’s always seemed to me that if I can use my good health to help someone who may be less fortunate, then I should,” said Celia, who made her first blood donation 53 years ago.

Jan Shorrock, of charity Give a Kidney, praised Celia’s immense generosity: “The gifts she has given over the years will undoubtedly have changed, improved or even saved many lives.”

There are about 5,500 people waiting for a kidney. The charity says 300 people die each year due to a lack of donors.

Anyone wishing to give blood can find a donor session by visiting the Give Blood website.

For further information on kidney donation, visit Give a Kidney.