Life-savers honoured
THREE people from Stockport who saved lives through organ donation were posthumously honoured at an award ceremony.
The Order of St John award for Organ Donation was presented to the donor’s families, in conjunction with NHS Blood and Transplant.
Grace Owen received the award on behalf of her father Dr Jo Owen, Neil Hurren received the award on behalf of his mother Karen Darley and Laura Spalding received the award on behalf of her mother Sharon Plumtree.
The private ceremony was held at Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester last month with the awards presented by Vice Lord Lieutenant Edith Conn DL JP.
Hundreds of families are receiving the award at regional ceremonies held across the UK between September and December.
NHS Blood and Transplant is calling for people in Greater Manchester to be inspired by the actions of the donors. Everyone in the UK is urged to discuss organ donation with their families and join the Organ Donor Register.
One day it could be someone you love, or even you, in need of a transplant.
Darren Clark, chair of the local 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 today’s 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.
“In 2016 around three people still die every day due to the shortage of organ donors.
“We hope the example set by the organ donors whose lives we are honouring today encourages many others to join the NHS Organ Donor Register – a process which takes just a few minutes online.”
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.”