BLOOD donors are humble heroes who save and change lives, quite literally out of the goodness of their hearts.

One of these local champions is John Doig, who has reached the significant milestone of donating for the 368th time.

He has demonstrated unwavering dedication and his long term donations are a testament to his commitment to helping others.

John said donating is a great way to help others who require the blood/plasma to live a normal life.

"It is also a free health check up," he said.

Lifeblood spokesperson Shae Burns said National Blood Donor Week was an opportunity to recognise Wangaratta’s donors and inspire others.

“In Wangaratta, our local donors are the lifeblood of our community,” Shae said.

“This National Blood Donor Week, we celebrated 11 locals who this past year have achieved a milestone donation of 200 or more.

“One in three people will need blood or blood products in their lifetime, so we want to say a huge thank you to all our donors who made a difference, not only to their community, but to patients and families all over Australia.

“Patients receive the gift of life because ordinary people do an extraordinary thing.

"They roll up their sleeves to help.”

Lifeblood needs more people to join the community of blood and plasma donors who save lives by giving 1.6 million donations across Australia every year.

“We are calling on people to become the lifeblood of Australia, the lifeblood of their communities and the lifeblood of those patients who need blood and blood products every day,” Shae said.

“This month, we still need 137 locals to roll up their sleeves and give blood on Wednesday’s, Thursday’s or Friday’s at our donor centre located on 17a Norton Street, Wangaratta.

“From cancer patients to road trauma victims, people with blood disorders, surgical patients, and new mums – blood is needed for someone, somewhere in Australia, every 18 seconds.

“It takes just an hour of your time to donate blood and every donation can help save up to three lives.”

Everyone who donates from now until July 14 will receive a limited-edition bandage designed by Indigenous Australian artist Aretha Brown.

The bandage is a thank you to the more than half a million donors across Australia, who currently make up our life-saving community.

Book a donation at www.lifeblood.com.au, via the free DonateBlood App or by calling 13 14 95.