KUCHING: Being blind does not mean one cannot contribute to helping save others' lives.

Alexius Libau Teggong, 46, is one of a relatively few Malaysians with AB positive blood, but thanks to his selflessness, he has probably helped save many lives.

Alexius, who has donated 90 pints of blood since 1986, is one of the top donors in the country.

And in spite of his disability, he is arguably in better shape than many able-bodied persons in his age group.

"I cannot remember the last time I fell sick and I don't remember the last time I took sick leave," said the Iban, who is an office assistant with Sarawak Energy Bhd.
In fact, Alexius attributes his healthy state to his regular blood donation.

"I have recently put on weight and I was told that I am quite healthy," he said at the Malaysian Red Crescent Society Kuching Chapter's annual blood donors' awards presentation at the City South Council's theatre hall yesterday.

Alexius was named one of the country's top veteran blood donors at the presentation. Other top donors who received their awards were Marcus Raney Dios (155 pints), Goh Eng Hui (135 pints), Lim Eng Choon (90 pints) and Goh Poh Huat (80 pints)

The champion blood donor became blind at the age of seven after a high fever.

In 1986, while working at a sawmill factory in Bintulu, a colleague had an accident with the machines and urgently needed a blood transfusion.

Sadly, Alexius can no longer remember his friend's name and lost contact with him after he left Bintulu for Kuching.

But the episode left an indelible impression on him and highlighted one way by which he could help his fellow man.

In fact, Alexius' generosity has made him the pride of the blind community in Kuching, where he donates blood every three months and plans to continue doing so for as long as he is able.

Now, his only son, Jeremiah Alexius, 20, began donating blood recently.

A graphic design student at Segi College Kuching, Jeremiah has so far donated two pints.

Both father and son would travel together by taxi to Normah Medical Centre in Petra Jaya to donate their blood.

Along with his son, Alexius is urging all youngsters to sign up as regular blood donors, as their selfless deeds would help save the lives of others.

"You yourself may need blood one day. That is when your life will depend on donors," he said.

He said Red Crescent needs to recruit more young people to replace the veteran donors who had to stop giving blood now that they had reached 60 years old.