Award ceremony in memory of organ donors from Devon and Somerset
Friends and family of those who gave the gift of organ donation received the honours in their memory
Friends and relatives of people who donated their organs have picked up posthumous awards in their honour.
It was at an awards ceremony in Somerset last month where relatives and loved ones had the chance to pick up the Order of St John Award for organ donation - with the event run in conjunction with NHS Blood and Transplant.
The private ceremony was held at Tithe Barn, Haselbury Mill, Crewkerne, on 25th October 2022, where nine donors – three from Somerset and six from Dorset - were honoured.
Thousands of families are receiving the award across the UK this year, at regional ceremonies, and those more privately - like the one here in Somerset lat month.
In total, 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 - according to stats from the NHSBT.
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.”
Organ donation is now an 'opt out' system, yet is still just as important as ever to register your decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register and let you family know what you 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 people in Somerset and Dorset 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, leave 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.
“Please tell your family about your organ donation decision and join the NHS Organ Donor Register.”
You can find out more about organ donation here.
You can find out more about the Award here.
You can find out more about St John International here.