PEOPLE from Surrey and surrounding areas who gave the ultimate gift of life through organ donation have been honoured posthumously at an award ceremony in Guildford.

Adrian Russell from Farnham, was one of many who joined to pay respects to their loved ones, as he received the award on behalf of his wife Rosemary.

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 The Guildhall last month with the awards presented by Corinna, Lady Hamilton of Dalzell one of the County Deputy Lieutenants, in the presence of Nikki Nelson-Smith, the Mayor of Guildford.

Hundreds of families are attending regional ceremonies across the UK between September and December to receive the award in memory of their loved ones. There are a total of 17 award recipients in the county, with eight presented at the ceremony in Guildford.

NHS Blood and Transplant and the Order of St John are keen to recognise the incredible gift that donors and their families have made by donating their organs to give hope and save and improve the lives of others.

Tony Mallard, chairman of the Surrey County Priory Group of the Order of St John, said: “We are delighted to be able to work with NHS Blood and Transplant to present the Organ Donor Awards for a third year. Organ donation clearly saves and transforms lives. We are privileged to be able to acknowledge and thank the families, on behalf of their loved ones who have made this gift of life.

“With as many as three people dying every day due to the shortage of organs for transplant, these donors and their families have made a selfless gift to help others.”

Sally Johnson, director of organ donation and transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “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.

“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.”

To join the NHS Organ Donor Register visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 123 2323.