Brett and Brad Ebert rolled up their sleeves to donate blood and plasma at the Port Adelaide Life Blood Donor Centre as part of Team Russell.

A blood drive in the name of club legend Russell Ebert has surpassed the 1000 donation mark and become the fastest growing donor team in the state’s history.

So far more than 3440 lives have been positively impacted by the generosity of the members of “Team Russell”, with 419 donors from across the nation now part of the team donating blood and plasma in place of Ebert.

The 72-year-old had been a regular donor until he was diagnosed with Acute myeloid leukemia late last year.

Ebert, who won a record four Magarey Medals and six club best and fairest awards during his incredible playing career, has previously spoken of his gratitude for all of those who have reached out with messages of support, and in particular those who have joined the blood drive.

His family, including son Brett Ebert and nephew Brad Ebert – both former Port Adelaide players themselves – initiated the campaign on his behalf to challenge others to take Russell’s place at their local Red Cross Lifeblood Donor Centre and donate their blood and plasma for those in need.

One in three Australians will need blood or blood products in their lifetime and one blood donation can save up to three lives. Donated plasma is used to make 18 different life-giving treatments.

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Team Russell giving lifeblood to the community | PTV

Port Adelaide and the Ebert family have established Team Russell through Australian Red Cross Lifeblood to donate blood and plasma on behalf of long-time blood donor Russell Ebert as he battles cancer.

Among the 419 donors that make up Team Russell are 35 people who have registered as donors for the first time since the campaign began in February.

While most of the donations have come from South Australia, generous donors in Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and New South Wales have also contributed.

The total number of 1140 donations so far by Team Russell is second by any donation team in South Australia this year, just 92 donations behind the South Australian Police.

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has thanked the members of Team Russell for their generosity on behalf of the recipients of the life-saving donations.

Members and supporters can still donate. Simply click here to register as a blood donor and join Team Russell.

If you are aged between 18-75 years and are feeling well click here to check your eligibility to donate blood or plasma.

To book time to donate please call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Donate Blood app.