DOING GOOD SERVICE

Taranaki Daily News, 21 November 1929, Page 13

DOING GOOD SERVICE

A CRIPPLE’S USEFULNESS BLOOD TRANSFUSION SUBJECT. REMARKABLE CHARACTERISTIC. (By Wire—Special to News.) Auckland,' Last Night. One of the regular donors of blood for blood transfusion at the Auckland hospital is Mr. Charles R. Christey, a man who lost both hie legs. Remarkable as it is that one' so ‘cruelly crippled should be able to find so unusual and important an opportunity of usefulness, it is all the more remarkable that he happens to be one of those rare people who possess what is technically known as “universal” blood. In only one case out of 5000 is blood suitable for transfusion to anyone. Of those who are fit subjects to supply blood the great majority belong to different groups, whose blood is suitable only for corresponding groups. Mr. Christey is a genial giant, 50 years of age, who was brought up in the Waikato and at an early age went to the bush to earn his living. For 20 years he followed the life of a bushman, chopping and building tramways and dame, and all other associated work. Some years ago he suffered a severe accident, the limb of a tree falling upon him when working up the. Wanganui River, as the result of which one leg was permanently paralysed. Subsequently the other leg was so severely injured in a motor accident that it had to be amputated near the thigh, and two years ago the paralysed leg was also removed. He was a magnificent figure of a man, Oft. 4Jin. in his bare, feet, and weighing when in good working condition 19st. 81b. He did some wrestling in his day. When Mr. Christey was receiving treatment from Dr. Milsom some time ago that surgeon had hia blood tested, with the result that it was found to be universal, and during the last 12 months Mr. Christey has been, called 20 times to supply blood for patients who were sinking. Only four of these natienta failed to rally. Usually lOoz. is taken at a time, but as large a supply as 18oz. has been taken. The total amount supplied by Mr. Christey in a year is 2230 z. After being bled Mr. Christey finds that, although he suffers no sense of weakness, he must take care against' becoming faint and falling, but he dismisses this matter. Never yet has ho been unable to wheel himself home to his room in Arch Hill after transfusion.