For his efforts, Lim has been awarded the Medal for Life — Singapore’s highest honour in blood donation, for those who have donated more than 200 times.

But he sees his contributions as “nothing great”. “It’s part of me,” he said. “I’m just eager to help.”

His friends have a different perspective. Too Chee Keong, who discovered Lim’s contributions only when he read about it in Lianhe Zaobao, was filled with respect.

“I received blood once because (my) blood count dropped … (so) this is a very good thing,” said the 56-year-old.

Tay Teck Seng also admired his friend’s commitment, especially as the 80-year-old once needed numerous transfusions in his battle against kidney cancer, using as many as 14 bags of blood during his transplant.

Lim’s hope is that he continues for as long as his body allows, though there is no going past 75. He also hopes that younger, healthy donors “can come forward … to help the Red Cross replenish (its) stocks”.

Watch this episode of the On The Red Dot series Secret Heroes here. The programme airs on Channel 5 every Friday at 9:30 p.m.