Popular GP’s kidneys donated to save a life KATHERINE BAINBRIDGE

THE family of a GP whose organs were donated following his death have spoken about him and the lives he saved.

As the Express reported last week, Dr Jonathan Owen, from Romiley, was one of 19 people to posthumously receive the Order of St John award for Organ Donation, run in conjunction with NHS Blood and Transplant.

Dr Owen, known as Jo, suffered a heart attack in November last year at the age of 56.

He had been a GP at Manor Medical Practice in Offerton since 1998, and a senior partner since 2011. He was on the organ donor register and his kidneys were successfully donated.

His wife Beverley, 51, said: “Jo had a massive heart attack at home. Despite my giving immediate CPR and an ambulance defibrillating him about six times, he did not regain consciousness.”

Bev, a nurse practitioner at Manor Medical Practice, met Jo at The George and Dragon pub in Hazel Grove in January 1988. They were married in June 1989.

Their daughter Grace, 16, received Order of St John award on her dad’s behalf.

The family has already committed themselves to organ donation after a friend died from kidney failure despite two transplants, and another friend’s life was saved by a successful transplant.

Bev said: “Our group of friends discussed transplants and we all decided after our friend’s death to register as organ donors in his memory.

“I found the ceremony very moving and it was also shocking at the obvious young age of the donors, and how few of us donor families there were.

“I am happy we decided to donate but sorry that it was not possible to use more of his organs.

“Jo is well remembered by staff and they discuss him regularly. The patients also tell me of the memories they have of him. I feel that he will never be forgotten.

“Jo was the most wonderful, loving and caring husband and father that anyone could have wished for. There was nothing he would not do for Gracie and I, nothing was too much trouble for him.”

NHS Blood and Transplant is calling for people in Greater Manchester to be inspired by the actions of these 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.