Jamshedpur, May 8: A record-breaking 894 units of blood were collected at a blood donation camp at Chambers Bhavan in Bistupur today.

Organised by the Singhbhum (East) district branch of Indian Red Cross Society, as many as 594 people donated blood during the camp held from 8am till 4pm with considerable number of people being turned away.

Braving the heat, eager donors were seen queuing up at the venue waiting for their turn to take part in a noble cause. “Records available with the blood bank show that we have never had such collection of blood on a single day anywhere in the country,” said Vijay Kumar, the secretary of the organising body.

But a differently-abled 15-year-old girl, P. Bharati, stole the limelight. Along with her family members, the girl also donated blood.  “It was her wish that she too wanted to be a part of the blood donation camp, we never forced it on her,” said the proud father, P. Baburao. Bharati was visibly happy at having taken part in the noble cause.

“It is just a way to show that she is just differently-abled, but all her physical faculties are fine and she is equally capable of taking part in such camps and donating generously for the cause of all those in need,” added Baburao.

Around 25 beds were placed to facilitate easy access to facilities at the camp. Leading the example at the blood camp was East Singhbhum deputy commissioner Nitin Madan Kulkarni, who was the first donor at today’s camp.

Top officials of Tata Steel, Jamshedpur Utilities Services Company and Tata Motors apart from businessmen of Adityapur industrial area participated in the daylong camp.

“It is very encouraging to see so many people come forward with such eagerness. For all those, who missed out on the chance to participate in today’s event, can do so in another camp to be organised on June 25,” added the secretary.

The collected blood units were sent to Jamshedpur Blood Bank, where they would be stored for transfusing blood to needy patients.