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67-year-old retired non-commissioned officer Adnan Uygun, who farms in Salucu village in the district, donated blood for the 50th recorded time at the Turkish Red Crescent's blood donation vehicle at Yavuz Selim Square.
Uygun said that in 1998, while walking home in Merzifon, he saw an acquaintance talking to himself. He approached the person and asked if something was wrong.
The man told him his wife needed blood, and he couldn't find any. When Uygun asked about the blood type, the man said it was O Rh positive. Uygun realized his own blood matched and offered to donate. "He was overjoyed and hugged me," Uygun recalled. "I still can't forget that moment."
From that day on, Uygun said he donated blood whenever he heard an announcement, seeking out anyone in need and encouraging those around him to do the same.
Uygun noted that blood donations at the time were generally made at state hospitals. He said he later began donating regularly, and after the Turkish Red Crescent started officially recording donations in 2005, he reached 49 recorded donations.
"God willing, I'm giving my 50th recorded donation today," he said, adding that his total number of donations, including those made before official record-keeping began, has actually passed 80.
"I live a healthy life, and at the same time, I experience the happiness of saving a life," Uygun said. "I feel that joy every time I donate blood."
Uygun's neighbor Mehmet Kilic said he and Uygun had also lived in the same place in Ankara before eventually settling as neighbors in Salucu village, where they now spend much of their time together.
Kilic described Uygun as someone who provides great service to neighbors, fellow villagers and friends alike, calling him an example to others. "Our brother Adnan is like a blood bank," he said. "Whenever the Red Crescent comes, or there's an announcement, he immediately takes us by the hand and says, 'Come on, let's go donate blood.'"
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