People who gave the ultimate gift of life through organ donation have been honoured posthumously at an award ceremony in Chester.
The Order of St John award for organ donation, run in conjunction with NHS Blood and Transplant, has been presented to the families and loved ones of those who saved and improved people’s lives through organ donation.
The private award ceremony was held at Chester Town Hall with the awards presented by David Briggs, Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire and Cllr Hugo Deynem, Lord Mayor of Chester.
Hundreds of families are attending regional ceremonies across the UK between September and December to receive the award in memory of their loved ones.
People recognised at the ceremony in Chester included Peter Purnell from Elton who received the award on behalf of his wife Lorraine and Simon McGlynn from Saughall who received the award on behalf of his girlfriend Lorna Dodd.
Last year, between April 2014 and March 2015, the number of deceased organ donors in the UK dropped for the first time in 11 years.
Despite this fall, the Order of St John honours the 1,282 people in the UK who donated their organs after death, leading to thousands of patients’ lives being saved or transformed.
NHS Blood and Transplant is calling for others to be inspired by this selfless act. Everyone in the UK is urged to discuss organ donation with their families and share their decision about what they would do if called on to donate.
Chairman of the local County Priory Group of the Order of St John Barrie Davies said: “We’re delighted to be able to work with NHS Blood and Transplant to run the Organ Donor Awards for a third year. Organ donation can clearly save lives and it is also vitally important to say thank you to the families whose loved ones have already donated their organs to assist others.
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“With around three people dying every day due to the shortage of organs, these donors and their families have carried out an inspirational act to help others to live. We hope the example they have set will encourage many more to follow in their footsteps and agree to become an organ donor.”
Director of organ donation and rransplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant Sally Johnson said: “The Order of St John award scheme has been running for the last two years. We have been overwhelmed by the pride and experiences shared by the hundreds of families who have accepted the award on their loved one’s behalf. It never ceases to amaze me just how humble people are when you speak to them about having helped to save the lives of patients who were desperately ill. I have never spoken to a single person who has ever regretted their decision to donate.
“These families deserve this honour and recognition to mark their loved ones life-saving gifts. We hope their bravery will inspire others to talk about their own decision with people close to them and record their intention to donate on the NHS Organ Donor Register.”
The families of last year’s 1,282 deceased organ donors have all been invited to receive the award, displaying the words ‘add life, give hope’, at a regional ceremony or have the award sent to them privately. Award ceremonies take place between September and December 2015.
To join the NHS Organ Donor Register visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 123 2323.
