Liner’s Crew Gave Blood To Help Save Child’s Life

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29192, 30 April 1960, Page 14

Liner’s Crew Gave Blood To Help Save Child’s Life

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, April 29. “This is the little girl whose life was saved by the crew of this vessel,” is the message accompanying a photograph of six-year-old Lorraine Malcolm, of Miramar, Wellington, displayed on the notice board of the liner Rangitata, which left today for London. Seriously ill in Green Lane Hospital, Auckland, and about to undergo a delicate heart operation, Lorraine urgently needed a large quantity of a special type of blood which was in short supply. Hearing of her condition, the crew of the Rangitata rallied together and 100 from the ship, including the master (Captain A Hocken) gave blood. In appreciation of their efforts, Mrs I. L. Malcolm, with her daughter, went to the ship this week and presented to the purser (Mr T. D. Pearce) a mounted photograph of Lorraine after her complete recovery. Lorraine’s condition was first brought to the notice of the crew last May by the fourth ofiicer (Mr C. C. Huflett). who is no loneer with the ship. She required a considerable quantity of blood, at least 18 donors being necessary. There was no lack of response from

those on the ship who had the right type. Because of the large number who had come forth, it was decided to take blood of all groups for the Auckland blood bank. The lounge of the Rangitata was set with beds like a hospital casualty ward and a team of doctors and nurses took blood from over 100 of the crew.

The operation on Lorraine proved a complete success and the crew kept in constant touch with her while the ship was in port. Before leaving, they presented her with a gold watch. “We thought it was very kind of them," said Mrs Malcolm yesterday. “They had done so much for us and we thought a photograph of Lorraine with her locket would enable those on the ship to see how fit and well she is today.”