Blood donors saved me says Ex-All Black

Hika Reid

Hika Reid has unknown blood donors to thank for the fact he's back in good health and facing the future with renewed vigour.

It was only a year ago doctors diagnosed the former All Black and Bay of Plenty hooker with leukaemia and admitted him to Waikato Hospital for treatment, which included two blood transfusions.

He attributes the blood products to helping to save his life, and is joining a call for more Central North Island residents to become blood donors.

"Just like other people with leukaemia, I needed blood to survive. If it were not for those people who gave blood I might not have survived."

Mr Reid feels as though he has been given a new lease on life since his illness, and isn't taking his future for granted.

He still has monthly blood tests, and every six months has a medical examination with specialists and x-rays.

"Even though I am in remission, it does still sit in the back of your mind that it could come back. You just have to remain positive," he said.

Two months ago the Bay of Plenty rugby development officer started a full-on fitness regime. Three times a week he works out at a gym and twice a week he's in the pool.

While he attributes some of his wellbeing to the healthy blood which replaced his, a good level of fitness has also helped his body to fight the invasive disease.

"No longer is this hitting the elderly," he said. People of all ages are getting it. If your body is in good shape, you can fight these illnesses better."

Shortly before he was diagnosed, Mr Reid was working in a bar where people smoked, and he developed asthma.

He believes his immunity was low at the time, and now follows a healthy eating and drinking regime to go with his new highly physical timetable.

"I use to drink heaps of cups of tea but now I drink lots of water. About two litres a day. I think a lot of our cancers are caused by the food we eat."

- DAILY POST