Seven people from Cornwall who saved lives through organ donation were posthumously honoured at an award ceremony, recently.

They received the Order of St John award for Organ Donation, run in conjunction with NHS Blood and Transplant, was which was given to their families and loved ones on their behalf.

The private ceremony was held at the St John Ambulance building in Truro, with the awards presented by Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, Colonel Edward Bolitho OBE.

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 donated their organs after death last year, leading to thousands of patients’ lives being saved or transformed. 

People recognised at the Cornwall ceremony included Roger Little, from Looe, who received the award on behalf of his wife, Alison, and Angela Weil, from Millbrook, who received the award on behalf of her husband, Philippe Weil.

During 2015/16 the number of deceased donors in the UK went up from 1,282 to 1,364, a rise of six per cent. However there are still around 6,500 people on the UK transplant waiting list and around three people die each day in need of an organ.  

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