ORGAN donors from Warwickshire who helped save lives have been posthumously honoured at an awards ceremony.
The donors received the Order of St John Award for Organ Donation, run in conjunction with NHS Blood and Transplant, which was given to their families and loved ones on their behalf.
The private award ceremony was held at The Bank House Hotel in Worcester honouring 11 donors.
Thousands of families are receiving the award across the UK this year, at regional ceremonies or privately. More than 4,000 people donated their organs after death in 2019, 2020 and 2021, leading to around 10,000 patients’ lives being saved or transformed over those three years.
Mick Messinger, Chancellor of the Priory of England and the Islands of the Order of St John, said: “We’re delighted to be able to work with NHS Blood and
Transplant to run the Order of St John Awards for Organ Donation again. It is so important to recognise all organ donors and it is an inspiration to meet the families attending the ceremonies. Organ donation saves lives, and it is a genuine privilege to be able to say thank you to these families, whose loved ones have had such an impact on others”.
The law around organ donation has changed to an opt out system but It is still important for donors to register their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register and let their family know what they want to happen.
Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “The pride families feel at these moving ceremonies truly is inspirational. Transplant patients tell us that organ donors and their families are heroes and the Order of St John award is a chance for us all to recognise them and their amazing contribution to society.
“We hope these awards will inspire other people in Warwickshire to tell their families they want to save lives. Being clear with your family about what you want makes things easier at a difficult time and leaves them certain about your organ donation decision. Families say donation is a source of pride that helps them in their grief and we want to ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to donate and save lives”.
Join the NHS Organ Donor Register at www.organdonation.nhs.uk
