A WOKINGHAM organ donor has been recognised posthumously by St John and NHS Blood and Transplant for helping to save lives.

Natalie Jervis accepted the Order of St John award for Organ Donation on behalf of her mother, Connie, at a private ceremony held at Bodleian Library in Oxford last week.

James Macnamara, Chair of the Oxfordshire County Priory Group of the Order of St John, said: “We're delighted to be able to work with NHS Blood and Transplant to run the Organ Donor Awards for a fourth year and to meet the inspirational families attending the ceremony.

“Organ donation can clearly save lives and it is a genuine privilege to be able to say thank you to these families, whose loved ones have already donated their organs to assist others.”

Hundreds of families are receiving the award at regional ceremonies held across the UK between September and December. The awards recognise the 1,364 people who have donated their organs after death and were presented by deputy lieutenant for Oxfordshire, Reverend Glyn Evans.

Around three people still die every day due to a shortage of organ donors and 6,500 people in the UK are currently on the transplant waiting list.

Sally Johnson, Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “The sense of pride families feel at these ceremonies is truly inspirational. Everyone I have spoken to is glad that their relative was able to be an organ donor.

“Families take great comfort from knowing that their loved one went on to save and improve the lives of desperately ill people.”

It is hoped that the example set by the donors honoured at this ceremony will inspire others to come forward and register.

To join the organ donation register, call 0300 123 23 23, or visit: www.organdonation.nhs.uk