Mumbai: Hundreds of people in Mumbai on June 2 made their way into the Guinness Book by donating a record 5,500 units of blood on a single day.

In the largest peacetime blood donation camp ever held, students, housewives, professionals and even retired personnel turned out in hoards to do their bit for the society.

Their efforts better the long-standing record of 3,155 bottles collected created in 1999 by the American Red Cross.

"It is a very good thing to give blood to others. Saving life of others. This is the reason why I am giving blood," said Nilesh Shah, a donor.

"It is good gesture, not something to be scared of. It will help people," added Bharti Vidya, another donor. And for the organisers, the Limbi Sampradaya Trust, more than the record, it was the overwhelming response of the people that touched hearts.

"We are really happy at making this new record but we are even happier that we have been able to make people aware and motivate them. This enthusiasm among the people to come despite the scorching heat. So we have been successful," said Popatlal Nandu, an organiser.

Fifty blood banks from across Maharashtra came together for the purpose.

ANI