There was a huge turnout for the blood drive held in Ormstown on April 13 in memory of Mark O’Connor, who passed away from cancer last summer. O’Connor’s sister Melanie has previously said one of Mark’s final wishes was to raise awareness of the need to donate blood, and Valley residents stepped up to the challenge. Melanie O’Connor says the objective of 150 registered donors was surpassed with 175 people registering (including 47 first-time donors). The objective of 116 donations was also beaten, with 146 donations received. O’Connor says, “525 patients will be able to receive a blood transfusion, thanks to this blood drive alone.” Among those who gave blood in Ormstown were Melanie O’Connor herself (right), and Mark O’Connor’s widow, Nathalie Perron (left).
