Blood donations vital, says survivor of pub gun attack
The Dublin publican survived horrific shotgun wounds with the help of massive transfusions totalling more than 20 litres.
Mr Chawke, 55, underwent three operations within five days of the gun attack on October 3, 2003 and needed transfusions totalling more than three times his own body blood. He had a leg amputated as of a result of the gun attack during a robbery outside one of his five Dublin pubs.
Yesterday he returned to his native Limerick with a message of thanks.
Opening the Irish Blood Transfusion Service headquarters in Raheen Business Park he appealed to fellow Limerick people to back his words of gratitude by becoming blood donors.
Mr Chawke, from Adare, where he owns the old family pub, said: “I needed 42 units of blood and these transfusions saved my life and for this, I am totally indebted to the Blood Transfusion Service and the donors whose blood I received. I hope and know the people of Limerick will continue to rally around and continue to donate in abundance. The Blood Transfusion Service now needs blood more than ever.”
IBTS chief executive Andrew Kelly said blood donations in Limerick city and county, Clare, north Tipperary and north Kerry had risen by 4% up to the end of November.
Area organiser Aileen Browne said: “This new premises will allow the service to continue to develop and serve the people of the mid-west. It is our objective to continue to promote awareness of blood donation throughout the mid-west and our new facility will assist us in that challenge.”
Minister of State at the Department of Health Tim O’Malley, who also attended the opening, said the increase in donations this year was very significant.
